Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur recorded a 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League today to limp over the finish line under Jose Mourinho.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match:

Europa League –

The most important positive to take from the game, Tottenham have now officially qualified for the Europa League next season after picking up the point they needed to overtake Wolves, who lost to Chelsea today. It was vitally important for the Lilywhites to remain in Europe and they ticked that box.

Super Jan Missing –

Jan Vertonghen was not seen on the pitch today despite it likely being his final game in a Spurs shirt. Mourinho did make a central defensive substitution in the final minute of the match, but opted for Davinson Sanchez over the experienced Belgian. Vertonghen’s contract is set to run out this month.

Centre-back hint – 

With Dier having sat out the last four matches due to suspension, it certainly seemed like a hint today that he will partner Alderweireld as the first-choice duo moving forward under Mourinho. Sanchez has played pretty well in Dier’s absence but still missed out today.

18 for Harry – 

Harry Kane notched his 18th Premier League goal of the season this afternoon, an impressive tally considering he was out injured for months on end and required surgery. That goal put Kane level on goals this season with Sadio Mane, and above Rashford, Martial, Jiminez, Aguero, Abraham, Jesus, and more.

Jose Mourinho Effect – 

Mourinho took over Spurs in 14th place when Mauricio Pochettino was sacked back in November 2019. It has been far from plain sailing, but the Special One has battled through injuries and critics to secure a sixth-place finish. That’s an impressive improvement of eight Premier League positions!

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