CRYSTAL PALACE 0-1 TOTTENHAM: Spurs won their first away game since October thanks to Archie Gray’s first-half header, easing the pressure on under-fire Thomas Frank
This time Thomas Frank got a much-needed reward after being made to suffer on the touchline. In the grand scheme of things, it was hardly the most convincing win for Tottenham but you suspect that will not bother Frank in the slightest.
After a thoroughly dismal run of just one win in their previous eight Premier League games, the spotlight and pressure is on a manager struggling to convince the Spurs fan base that he is the right man for the job. Tottenham fans are crying out for free-flowing, entertaining and attacking football and all they got was a scrappy Archie Gray header from a set-piece.
Spurs striker Richarlison saw two efforts ruled out for offside after VAR checks – the second in particular was pretty unforgivable – which would have made it altogether more comfortable. How a player who has cost over £100million in combined transfer fees throughout his career and played for Brazil 54 times can drift offside so frequently is anyone’s guess.
And, instead, Tottenham were left to hang on as Frank looked on nervously from the touchline as he will be well aware every game, result and performance is being scrutinised right now. Frank needs a break and finally got one against a Crystal Palace who wasted a string of big chances themselves as their marathon season threatens to catch up with them even before the turn of the year.
Incredibly, Palace are already up to 30 games played this season in all competitions and their finishing looked tired and lacking composure. They are in serious danger of burning out and Tottenham were grateful recipients as the away end celebrated wildly at the final whistle.
READ MORE: Tottenham get VAR verdict after Richarlison goal disallolwed against Crystal PalaceREAD MORE: Thomas Frank told to QUIT Tottenham by ex-star in furious social media rant
Frank ushered his players over to the away end and you have to respect the Tottenham fans who were loud, supportive and jubilant despite another season of small wins and bigger disappointments. In fairness, Gray, aged 19 years 291 days, was a big win this time as he became Tottenham’s youngest English goalscorer since Dele Alli who was four days younger when he scored back in January 2016.
Remember that goal? It was Alli’s wonder strike – the overhead flick and volley – also at Selhurst Park which put the former Spurs and England midfielder on the road to superstardom. That seems a long time ago now for Tottenham and indeed Alli.
Well, funnily enough it will be ten years ago next month and is a reminder how time flies. Tottenham also need an upturn in fortunes – and quick. Spurs looked nervous at the start and took a while to get going while Palace played some nice stuff.
But Richarlison had the ball in the net after 17 minutes only for VAR to disallow it for an offside against Lucas Bergvall in the build-up. Richarlison might also have drifted offside had they got that far with the VAR. The Brazilian’s celebrations suddenly looked a bit daft.
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Palace played the better football – the sort of passing game Spurs fans want from their team – but just could not take advantage. Jean-Philppe Mateta headed over, Will Hughes fired over and Adam Wharton fired straight at Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
But when you do not take your chances, it generally comes back to bite you. Pedro Porro’s deep corner was headed back across goal by Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison’s flick-on fell for Gray who nodded in from point blank range. Palace continued to waste big chances.
Justin Devenny hooked over the bar while defender Maxence Lacroix glanced just wide after Jefferson Lerma’s header. Richarlison had the ball in the net a second time but had drifted offside again. Unforgivable.
Wilson Odobert also crashed a shot aghast the post. Tottenham made hard work of it – but ultimately got the job done.
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