Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways at Selhurst Park with a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the game:
Archie Gray delivers decisive moment for Tottenham Hotspur
It was a much-needed victory for Tottenham, who were already slipping rather close to the drop zone following their poor run of form in recent weeks.
But the display against Palace this evening was a complete one that was inspired by Archie Gray, who could easily have been named man of the match.
The teenager has earned four consecutive league starts for Spurs, keeping Palhinha out of the side, and he repaid his manager’s trust by grabbing the only goal of the game, his first of the season.
It was indeed a nice moment for the 19-year-old, who was then shifted up into the number ten role, completing his impressive shift.
Questions remain over Thomas Frank’s style of play at Tottenham
Spurs’ performance was much better than in previous games, but there will still be questions about Thomas Frank’s style of play.
In the first half, it was all Palace, who were creating chance after chance and could quite easily have won this match on another day.
Regardless, Tottenham stuck to their task and remained solid at the back, keeping a clean sheet, but their goal came from a set piece, and they created nothing from open play before the break.
It was a mixed performance from Frank’s side, and there remains work to be done, but this win provides a platform to build on.
Lucas Bergvall injury leaves Spurs short in the number ten role
Coming into this match, Tottenham were already short of key players following the sending off of Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons last time out against Liverpool.
Kevin Danso came in for Romero and put in a solid shift, while Lucas Bergvall replaced Simons in the starting XI, but it did not go to plan for the Swede.
Bergvall picked up a knock in the second half and was forced off, leaving Spurs with another issue in the number ten role.
Simons is set to miss two more league fixtures after his straight red card, and if Bergvall’s injury proves serious, Frank will need a makeshift solution.
Left-wing imbalance continues as Kolo Muani struggles
Tottenham looked short of ideas in the first half and barely threatened from open play, although the second forty-five minutes were different, particularly late on.
Wilson Odobert looked bright and brought a different dimension with his direct play and willingness to get to the byline and cross.
That stood in stark contrast to the first half, when Kolo Muani occupied the left-wing position.
The Frenchman is not a natural winger, and his tendency to cut inside made Tottenham’s attack from that side predictable, highlighting a clear imbalance.
Tottenham must find consistency despite closing the gap on top five
This victory not only helped Spurs halt their slump down the table, but also allowed them to look upwards again.
Frank’s side are now four points off the top five and sit one point behind Crystal Palace, who are ninth, while Spurs are in 11th place.
Consistency remains the key, and the midweek game against Brentford offers an immediate chance for Tottenham to build momentum and continue closing the gap.