Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur demolished Crystal Palace by four goals to one this evening in the Premier League as they continue to mount a charge on the top four places.

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

Harry Kane… that’s it – The man is generational. Topping the charts for assists while simultaneously chasing another golden boot. Not only did Kane put two goals on a plate for Gareth Bale, but he also pulled out a world-class top-corner finish to make it three before nodding home a fourth. His all-round play is actually staggering, although I fear he will never get the true credit that he deserves.

About that Bale loan – If we didn’t know it before, we know it now. Spurs need to get Bale back next season. In my opinion, I would rather go for a permanent deal while Real Madrid are desperate to sell. I would imagine that the fee would be very low. It just comes down to whether Bale wants to take a wage cut and come back full-time.

Defensive mistakes – It’s the same old mistakes for Tottenham. Yes, Moura should not have given the ball away in the middle of the pitch. Yes, Doherty should have stopped the cross. However, once balls come into the box, whether it be open play or set-pieces, Tottenham’s centre-backs struggle. Sanchez has to drop and mark Benteke or Toby has to get the right side. Mistakes and poor communication cost goals.

Lucas Moura pressure – At times this season, we have not seen enough pressing from the front. Today, Lucas Moura set the tone. If a Palace player had the ball anywhere near him, he was on them within a second, nipping away at their ankles. The reward of this was clear in the first goal as he passed off to Kane who then put it on a plate for Bale. This new number ten role is starting to look good on Moura.

Son frustration – There were a few moments where Son showed real frustration out there tonight. He was making some superb runs in behind but no one was looking for him. At one point, Hojbjerg decided against sliding him in before receiving a stern telling off from the South Korean. Five minutes later, Son was picked out and he assisted Kane’s second goal.

Honourable mention to Tanguy’s blanket distribution skills.

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