Teenager Archie Gray’s first senior goal ensured Tottenham bounced back from consecutive Premier League defeats with a narrow victory over Crystal Palace, as Thomas Frank’s side ended the year on a positive note at Selhurst Park.
The 19-year-old Gray punished Palace’s failure to deal with a corner from close range three minutes before half-time, after Randal Kolo Muani and then Richarlison were able to win aerial duels following Pedro Porro’s delivery to the back post.
Spurs were denied a more comfortable conclusion to the match when Wilson Odobert’s attempt struck the post, while Richarlison twice had goals disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee for offside.
The Brazilian mistimed his dart to meet Mohammed Kudus’ cross in the closing stages, having already had a finish ruled out because of an offside against Lucas Bergvall in the build-up when Spurs threatened for the first time after 17 minutes.
Palace offered the greater first-half threat as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strength and excellent hold-up play caused Tottenham issues, but the Frenchman sent a shot narrowly wide and headed over inside the six-yard box with his two best chances.
Justin Devenny blazed over inside the Spurs box and Maxence Lacroix headed agonisingly wide as Palace probed for an equaliser – but they ultimately failed to land a second-half attempt on target as they fell to a third straight league defeat.
Victory moved Tottenham up three places to 11th, one point behind Crystal Palace, who remain ninth.
