Not one to remember. Harry Kane stepped up for Tottenham once again as he leapfrogged Wayne Rooney to become the second all-time Premier League goal-scorer behind Alan Sheerer. With Villa failing to beat Wolves, a top-seven finish is now in Spurs’ hands.
Another Saturday, another time to make amends for Spurs. Tottenham faced an inform Crystal Palace, who won their fixture 4-3 against West Ham. Tottenham have succeeded in their last seven home games against Crystal Palace.
There were concerns before the game for Spurs as Tottenham have conceded 57 premier league goals this season and 15 in their last four games, the most in a single campaign since the 2007/8 season. God save the King bellowed around the stadium on the coronation day, not for Ledley (unfortunately)
“It’s our home, and we have to bring the intensity,” Ryan Mason said before the game. It was a London battle, but also a battle of the ages. Ryan Mason, the youngest manager in the league, took on Roy Hodgson, the oldest.
The visitors lined up with a 4-1-4-1 formation, and Tottenham with a 3-4-3 – although that changed to a back four when Spurs were in their defensive shape. Emerson Royal played right-back and RCB, while Ben Davies played LCB and left-wing-back.
Ryan Mason appeared agitated on the bench as Spurs began the game relaxed, while Palace maintained a disciplined approach out of possession.
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The first real chance for either team fell to Romero after his header crashed off the bar from 8 yards out in the 17th minute. Palace conceded 3 set pieces last week against West Ham, and they haven’t fixed the issue.
When Spurs needed him the most, Harry Kane stepped up with a goal just before the end of the half. Pass him the ball, and he will deliver. He can do it all himself.
Harry Kane started the passage of the play with an incredible pass to switch the play. Pedro Porro put it on a plate for Kane with a lovely cross, and Kane headed it in. How many times has that been said?
Harry Kane overtook Wayne Rooney for Premier League goals. He is now one place behind leading goal scorer Alan Shearer.
Palace started the better of the two in the second half. Forster was tested several times in the first quarter of the second half, but Spurs’ defence stood firm. Forster looked fast off his line and played the ball out of the back well.
Lloris looked on from the dugout. He won’t be appearing for the rest of the season after Ryan Mason’s confirmation of his season-ending injury sustained at Newcastle.
The best chance of the second half came to Son. He went through on goal in the 75th minute and had to score to put the game to bed. Son tried to go around Sam Johnstone, but he used his frame to his advantage to make an incredible stop as he pounced at the legs of Son.
Likewise, the visitors had a chance to equal the score. Joachim Andersen did brilliantly to send the ball across the six-yard box. Harry Kane can do no wrong and was there to save Tottenham in the same position he scored the goal with a firm clearance.
Lenglet produced a tackle that would have been celebrated in the rugby league. This resulted in a yellow card and Lenglet being substituted after injuring his shoulder. This was the trigger for an eventful last 10 minutes.
Was it football or WWE? Strong tackles, rugby tackles, and fights were happening all over the pitch. Spurs fans won’t care at all. They saw the job through. The game wasn’t pretty and wasn’t one to remember. Kane once again proved to be the difference.
- Possession (BBC):
- Spurs 57%
- Palace 43%
- Shots:
- Spurs 8
- Palace 7
- Shots on Target:
- Spurs 3
- Palace 2
- Corners
- Spurs 8
- Palace 4
- Fouls
- Spurs 15
- Palace 14
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