Tottenham: Offensive keys to victory at Crystal Palace in Premier League

Tottenham keys on offense

From an offensive perspective, Tottenham really needs to look at the three matches Palace has had to get a good idea of the best way to attack the Eagles. While Palace did hold Brentford scoreless they have given up five goals in their other two matches and Vicente Guaita has made eight saves. If Tottenham plays smart they will get chances and should be able to shoot down the Eagles.

Offensive Key 1: Ball recovery in the midfield

In their first three matches, Crystal Palace has struggled to get out of their own end. Palace has been packed in their own half and has found themselves scrambling a lot defensively. This scrambling has led to hurried clearances and sub-par outlet passes.

Hurried clearances and sub-par outlet passes are a recipe for turnovers in the midfield, which has plagued Palace for much of the season. Against Chelsea on the opening weekend and against West Ham, it was costly turnovers leading to goals that really hurt the team.

Tottenham is a good counter-attacking team but that is different than these quick-strike goals which they used to also be strong at. If Tottenham can manage to recover the ball in transition in the middle of the park, it should lead to some goal-scoring opportunities for the Spurs. This means that the Spurs need big games from both Dele Alli and Pierre Hojbjerg.

Offensive Key 2: Attack Andersen and Ward

At one time Tottenham was being linked with Joachim Andersen and for the first time ever, I strongly recommend targeting him. West Ham scored both of their goals on matchday three with long balls to Antonio as he battled with Andersen. Both Harry Kane and if available Steven Bergwijn could provide a similar physical presence as Antonio did.

Alternatively, Bryan Gil and Lucas Moura both have the kind of craft and burst to cause Andersen trouble. Compounding issues on the right defensively for Palace is Joel Ward at fullback. Ward is a decent enough back but he is on the wrong side of 30 and has a tendency to commit fouls.

Whether they are attacking Ward or Andersen, it should lead to opportunities.

Offensive Key 3: Tottenham must leverage the dead-ball situations

Crystal Palace is a team that is going to foul a lot, particularly in and around the penalty box. Marcos Alonzo scored on a freekick against Palace in the opening match and they have given up several other quality opportunities around the penalty box.

Tottenham has already converted twice in dead-ball situations this season with Son’s free-kick and Dele’s penalty. On Saturday Spurs will have to find someone new to play those free-kicks into the box with Son out, possibly Bryan does that as well. Regardless of who is striking the ball, the Spurs will get some chances and they need to convert.

If the Spurs can leverage the free-kicks, attack Ward and Andersen in transition they should be able to score some goals and beat the Eagles to maintain a perfect start to the season.