Tottenham Hotspur picked up a much-needed result as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
The game was settled in the 42nd minute as teenager Archie Gray poked home from close range for his first-ever Spurs goal, as the Lilywhites successfully recycled Pedro Porro’s corner.
Spurs didn’t attempt another shot until the 75th minute as Palace fought tooth and nail to draw level, and the Eagles made more passes (543) and completed passes (432) than they’ve managed in any other Premier League game this season.
Palace also attempted 15 shots, but none of them were big chances — their most attempts without a big chance in a Premier League game since October 2024 vs Nottingham Forest (20).
That lack of cutting edge meant Thomas Frank’s men were able to hold out in the end. In fact, it could’ve been even better for Spurs, with Richarlison seeing two goals disallowed for offside — one either side of Gray’s winner.
Spurs have climbed to 11th in the table thanks to just their second win in nine Premier League games, just a point behind Sunday’s opponents and four behind Chelsea in fifth.
Archie Gray finally opens Spurs account
Injuries and inconsistency have seen Archie Gray play a prominent role in Tottenham’s midfield over the past month, with very mixed results.
However, the youngster looked far more assured at Selhurst Park on Sunday and was ultimately crucial in delivering three points for Spurs.
Gray was quickest to react as Richarlison headed the ball back across the box from Porro’s corner, poking home beyond Dean Henderson from close range.
In doing so, he became the youngest Englishman (19y 291d) to score for Tottenham in the Premier League since Dele Alli, all the way back in January 2016 at 19 years and 287 days old.
But Gray’s performance was about far more than just a goal. The former Leeds talent helped defend the Spurs box from considerable Palace pressure with four clearances, one block, one interception and two recoveries. He also offered composure on the ball in key moments, completing all but four of his passes and maintaining a 100% success rate on dribbles.
If we’re being charitable, it’s been an ‘educational’ month for Gray as he’s tried his level best in tough circumstances. But here, he showed exactly why everybody at Tottenham Hotspur and within the England setup rates him so highly.
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Richarlison continues to lead the line
You have to feel for Richarlison here. But for a couple of inches and VAR, he could’ve had a brace that would’ve taken him to joint-third in the Golden Boot race on nine goals, while assuring he’d score in back-to-back Premier League games for just the second time this season.
Alas, it wasn’t to be, and the offside gods were twice against the Brazilian. However, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t absolutely crucial to this victory.
As mentioned, it was Richarlison who unselfishly headed back across goal to allow Gray to net the winning goal.
Selflessness is in Richarlison’s very nature, with the former Everton man contesting 12 aerial duels and five ground duels, impressively winning six and three of them, respectively, to act as a pressure-relief valve for his side.
Richarlison also made two tackles, four clearances and four recoveries, while three of his 11 completed passes created a chance. He popped up right across the pitch for Tottenham, battling defenders, closing down maurauding opponents, and putting his body on the line for the cause.
Richarlison has often found himself out of favour since joining Tottenham Hotspur, but he’s once again proven over the past month why he’s been kept around, and why he remains such an important and unsung member of this team.
Crystal Palace’s set-piece problems strike again
There really has been a lot to like about Crystal Palace this season, and it’s no surprise that even after this defeat, they remain just six points behind Liverpool in fourth.
However, they have a clear Achilles heel that is going to stop them from kicking on unless they fix it soon: set-pieces.
Gray’s goal was the 10th they’ve conceded from set-pieces so far this season, with only Nottingham Forest (11), West Ham (11), Liverpool (12) and Bournemouth (12) conceding more.
Most worryingly, six of those goals have come in December alone, accounting for two-thirds of the goals they’ve conceded in the final month of 2025. It’s a problem that’s getting worse.
There are caveats, of course. Not least centre-back Chris Richards and wing-back Daniel Munoz both being sidelined.
However, Oliver Glasner will be furious and perplexed at his side’s inability to defend their own box, and he’ll also be desperate for solutions.