Crystal Palace Stun Tottenham with First Win of Season

Crystal Palace secured their first victory of the Premier League season, as they beat a sluggish Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Palace Dominant, Spurs Lackluster

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first half goal was enough to get Oliver Glasner’s side over the line and they were the better, more energetic and dangerous team throughout and could’ve easily added to their tally.

Ange Postecoglou was left fuming on the sidelines as his side only had a handful of chances and looked so disjoined as they’ve lost back-to-back away games in the Premier League.

A Disappointing Performance from Spurs

Ange Postecoglou slammed the effort and commitment of his players as they lost 3-2 at Brighton in their last away trip in the Premier League. Of course, this 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace wasn’t as shambolic but the same feeling will be eating away at Ange. Are his players up for the fight? They weren’t on Sunday as Palace bullied them in midfield, overran them and simply wanted it more. Spurs have the more talented players but they acted like that would be enough. It wasn’t at Brighton in their shocking collapse and they could have lost by three or four at Palace on Sunday. Sure, they missed Heung-min Son in both of these away defeats but Spurs have enough quality to win these games and it’s not starting to become a question of mentality and character. That is never a good thing. When Spurs are on and up for it they are unstoppable. But too often in recent months they’ve turned up thinking they will romp to victory. On Sunday they didn’t earn the right to play their lovely flowing football and never turned up. Things can happen which mean you lose a game but to not turn up for the fight is inexcusable and something Postecoglou will be livid with.

Key Moments and Turning Points

With the win Palace have six points. Tottenham remain on 13 and lose further ground on the top four.

Palace Take the Lead

Palace deserve the lead. Spurs are caught overplaying at the back and Munoz whips in a cross that Eze flicks on marvellously to Mateta and he settles himself well to finish, via a deflection, and send the home fans wild. Glorious celebrations for Palace and Mateta duly whips out his trademark celebration to kick the over the corner flag.

Missed Chances for Spurs

Tottenham almost level right away. A corner is whipped in to the near post, is hooked on by Van de Ven and it hits Brennan Johnson and hits the post before Palace scramble it off the line. This game has really come to life now.

Spurs Struggle to Find Their Rhythm

Spurs have been overrun by Palace and look sloppy and sluggish on and off the ball. Big half time teamtalk will be needed by Ange to help Spurs turn this around.

Second Half Changes

Sarr, Richarlison and Werner are on for Kulusevski, Moore and Maddison. Moore, just 17, struggled to get in the game. Kulusevski and Maddison both had a decent chance to score but, like Spurs, were fading.

Palace Press for a Second

Eze is causing chaos as he sets up Sarr but his shot is saved by Vicario’s legs. The rebound is smashed wide by Munoz and moments later Eze smashes a decent chance wide. Palace pushing hard for a crucial second goal.

Post-Match Reaction

Wharton drills a shot with his right foot towards the top corner but Vicario does really well to claw it away. What a save. Palace have been pushing really hard for this second.