It’s often said that game 10 is the time to pay attention to the standings so this potential banana peel is a real test for Spurs’ evolution under Ange Postecoglu.
In the past, Spurs were expected to cope with the pressure to stay five points ahead of their opponents and Crystal Palace, humiliated by Newcastle a week earlier, were a stern test for the north London side.
The match went as one might expect, Spurs had the upper hand but faced a typically organized Roy Hodgson side, unable to create the chances it has become accustomed to this season .
Even so, apart from a tense final period, the result still seemed inevitable and Crystal Palace were unable to respond to the suffocating nature of Spurs’ overwhelming pressure and their opponents’ ability to play on the pitch.
Was largely a subpar full-back in a game that left him with no opportunity to test the Spurs backline beyond the occasional counter-attack.
Often blocked without support, the tone could have been very different had his first instinctive shot not been well saved by Vicario.. Luckily, I didn’t get carded after the ball challenge with Micky Van der Ven.
A brilliant early save gave Spurs the platform to prevail, but he will be upset to concede without having to do much, even though the Spurs goalkeeper could do nothing about the foul action Ayew’s distance strikes late.
Good energy both ways but forced out for the Palace of Comfort.. He redeemed himself a few minutes later with a save challenge from the same position.
Continue to increase your responsibility, prevent attacks in the first place and handle 1v1 situations calmly..
Another performance that showcased the young centre-back’s pace and composure, sweeping every attack behind the Spurs backline.
Even though he was mistreated, he casually played with Edouard and his friends..
The experience Davies brought was betrayed as he lacked the pace needed to counter Fulham’s rapid attack up front at Spurs.. Replaced at half-time by Emerson, more physical.
Handled the devoted attention of the Palace press well, but could not overcome traffic jams wherever he sought to make progress.
Every time the ball goes, he’s there.. The resilient midfielder’s sharp instincts and abundant energy were inexhaustible, delivering results with his huge variation in movement for Spurs’ winners.
Subdued compared to previous matches, with preferred space limited, Maddison still played a key role, his talent and vision creating both goals.
The striker’s ability to hold the ball and his tenacity were invaluable in keeping the game at a climax, but the extra attention he received hindered his usual ability to break locks.
Spurs’ No..9 mix, continuing to combine good play down the left, was often let down by clumsy and unconvincing touches when given time to think about his actions.
Constantly pressing and motivating his teammates in the face of stubborn opposition, Son rushed in and out but as expected, he proved dangerous with the only chance given to him to seal victory.
He perhaps played a larger role than expected after his introduction, but didn’t have the stamp of a first-team player of the season.
