Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur secured a hard-fought three points on the road, edging past Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. The narrow victory, courtesy of a goal from teenager Archie Gray, lifts Spurs to within a single point of the Premier League's top half as they conclude their calendar year.
Match Summary: A Gritty Away Triumph
The match was far from a dominant display from the visitors, who have shown better form on their travels this season. Crystal Palace created several promising opportunities but failed to capitalise, while Tottenham saw the ball hit the net three times. Striker Richarlison had two finishes chalked off for offside following VAR reviews, adding to the tension before Gray's decisive intervention.
Tottenham Player Ratings Analysis
In a game of fine margins, individual performances proved crucial. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario earned a 7/10 rating for a solid, alert display, particularly during a first half where Palace tested him. The defensive unit, including Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso, battled physically to preserve a clean sheet, though both full-backs faced stern tests from the Eagles' wing play and substitutes.
The midfield saw a standout performance from match-winner Archie Gray, who was rated 8/10. The teenager's relentless energy and work rate were rewarded when he reacted quickest to a bouncing ball from a corner to head home. His display was characterised by a tireless, if occasionally frantic, presence in the engine room.
Further forward, Richarlison's physicality earned him a 7/10. The Brazilian striker wisely chose his battles against the Palace defence and provided the crucial assist for Gray's goal, leaping highest to nod the ball into the danger area. However, the attacking unit overall struggled for consistent fluency, with Mohammed Kudus kept quiet and Randal Kolo Muani offering little threat from the flank.
Looking Ahead for Spurs
The result provides a welcome bounce-back for Thomas Frank's side after two consecutive defeats. Tottenham's next fixture is against Brentford on New Year's Day, offering a chance to start 2026 with momentum. This gritty win, built on defensive resilience and a moment of youthful opportunism, could prove a significant stepping stone as they aim to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season.
