27 October 2024
Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham
It was a London derby at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace welcomed Tottenham. There had been signs that Ange Postecoglou’s side are here for the long haul this campaign and keen to try and book themselves a place in the Champions League next season. The hosts were still looking for their first win in the league and pressure was building on Oliver Glasner.
The game started in a scrappy fashion with both sides unable to find that killer pass in the final third. Tottenham were looking ropey at the back and poor communication was causing them issues. Needlessly heading the ball behind for a corner with no pressure on the defender whatsoever. Fortunately on this occasion they were able to clear their lines as the cross came in.
Neither keeper had been tested in these early stages and this game was proving to be a tough watch for both sets of fans. Palace are severely lacking confidence and you feel that they will not find it until they get this winless monkey off their back. At home, they are usually a test for any side but it was not proving to be the case so far this season.
Things got worse for Glasner’s side when Lerma was forced off through injury. The former Bournemouth midfielder has struggled with injuries since his move to Selhurst Park. The last thing anyone wanted to see was him heading for another spell on the sidelines. Hughes came on to fill the breach, a chance for him to get back in the reckoning for a starting place.
Crystal Palace managed to force a corner and as the ball was lofted into the box, there was just a melee of players in front of Vicario. Lacroix had made a late run into the penalty area but he seemed to take his eye off the ball at a crucial moment. As a result, his header went over the crossbar when he really should have been working the Spurs’ keeper.
The visitors continued to get themselves into trouble, trying to play out from the back. Vicario was almost closed down but as he worked it to van de Ven, his attempted clearance was blocked. Munoz crossed from out wide and it was flicked on by a great piece of skill from Eze. It dropped to Mateta who drilled the ball home to give the hosts the lead.
Selhurst Park erupted as the ball nestled in the back of the net. While this had not been a brilliant performance by the hosts, they will take a win however it comes at the moment. With just over an hour remaining in the game, they still had plenty of work to do. You felt they would need the cushion of a second goal in this match.
The Eagles were defending well and constantly managed to stop the cross. Glasner’s side were dominating the aerial duels. As a result, Spurs were struggling to create any clear-cut chances. They were having to resort to pot shots from distance. None of which had the accuracy to cause any problems for Henderson in the Palace goal.
Into the second half and Udogie started to get forward more for the visitors. His cross into the danger area was met at the near post by Maddison. Henderson reacted well to make a goal-saving block to protect The Eagles’ lead. It underpinned how fragile their single goal advantage was however and they needed to ask more questions of this Spurs defence.
Postecoglou’s side continued to struggle to create openings. When one such move broke down, a ball over the top of the Spurs’ defence set Eze clear. He used his pace and physical presence to hold the defender off before tucking it under Vicario to double their lead. Sadly it was to be ruled out as the Palace winger was offside when the ball was played to him.
The frustrating part for the hosts was that he had acres of space to work with. There was no need to try and gain an advantage by setting off early. At this point the home fans started to feel nervous that this missed opportunity could cost them dearly. They were craving this first win and their league position was demanding of it.
Crystal Palace felt they should have had a penalty when Eze went down in the box. The referee refused to award anything and the decision was to go to Stockley Park. The replay showed that there was definitely contact on the attacker and given that he had a clear sight of goal just six yards out it is baffling to think he would dive at all. Despite this, they decided it was not to be.
Tottenham just failed to turn up in this game and the hosts continued to pile on the pressure in the final stages. Vicario was kept busy as he had to keep efforts from Eze and Wharton out to give his side some chance of getting something from the trip across the capital. Time was running out for Spurs and their manager was cutting a frustrated figure on the touchline.
Werner started to get some teasing crosses into the box but Henderson did well to deny the visitors. Crystal Palace managed to hold on for victory and this could prove to be a turning point for The Eagles in their campaign. As for Tottenham, once again we saw their inconsistent nature that has cost them so dearly in seasons past.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.