Sports | Match Report | Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur
Archie Gray’s first-half header sealed a 1-0 win for Spurs against Crystal Palace as they travelled to Selhurst Park yesterday evening.
Crystal Palace’s poor run of form continued this weekend as they fell victim to another defeat, as they continue paying the price for their lack of squad depth.
Back to Reality
It is clear from the host’s recent performances that the lack of investment during the summer is taking a damaging toll on the squad, particularly with a Europa Conference League campaign in full swing.
Last night wasn’t a typical performance from Oliver Glasner’s side, who controlled the ball well but struggled to manufacture clear-cut chances from open play.
Glasner has tended to stick with his tried and tested eleven when they’re available, but with the packed scheduling this season, those players are struggling to maintain their fitness.
Daniel Munoz – one of Palace’s key players – has been sidelined for weeks with a knee injury, and with an ageing Nathanial Clyne, or out-of-position Justin Devenney as his deputies, they’re struggling to have the same impact.
Where Eagles Dread
Thomas Frank’s visitors weren’t great yesterday, but they were better than the hosts – not as individuals, but as a team – and that will concern the FA Cup winners.
While the only goal of the game may have come from a well-worked set piece, they were much more clinical, and it was always Spurs who posed the greater threat. The visitors were even slightly unlucky, as Richarlison had two composed strikes disallowed for tight offside calls.
Whereas Palace’s only clear-cut chances came from corners and free kicks. Jean-Phillipe Mateta had a great chance in the first half, and Maxence Lacroix looked threatening at times in the second, but besides that, there was no surprise that an equaliser never came.
The poor result drops the hosts into ninth place as the gap continues to tighten between the teams below them – they now sit only three points above Newcastle in 14th.
Palace will be hoping their fortunes improve in the new year as they face Fulham on New Year’s Day, whilst Spurs travel to Brentford, who will be looking to build off their 4-1 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
