Tottenham's resurgence continued on Saturday evening, as they claimed their third successive victory by beating 10-man Crystal Palace 2-0.
Expectations were high for the Lilywhites entering the match, given last week's result at Stamford Bridge, and pressure built after Jean-Philippe Mateta received his marching orders for a bad-looking challenge on Micky van de Ven in the opening exchanges.
It could be a home win from that moment on, but the rout that some may have foreshadowed after the Premier League's poorest defence were reduced to 10 didn't quite come to pass, even after Archie Gray headed us into the lead midway through the first half.
Spurs' pressure was unrelenting throughout, and combination of De Zerbi's counter-presss and our collection of standout defenders in transition meant Palace were bereft of hope. However, Dwight McNeil's second-half chance reminded the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium of the precariousness of our lead, with many dreading a nervy conclusion.
But there was no tension late on thanks to Jan Paul van Hecke's clever finish, with the Dutchman initially meeting Mateus Fernandes' teasing delivery before improvising on the goalline.
Luca Williams-Barnett made his Premier League debut in the closing stages, as supporters relished the occasion. There's work to be done in the final third, but Spurs were utterly dominant and didn't allow their visitors a foot in the door.
Tottenham 2–0 Crystal Palace player ratings
Three wins on the bounce! 👊 pic.twitter.com/hT0eVswjeC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 31, 2026
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Antonín Kinský (GK): 6/10—Kinský won't mind more evenings like these.
Archie Gray (RB): 7/10—A rare goal for Gray, who leapt superbly at the back post and headed across Henderson. Smartly withdrawn at half-time due to a yellow card.
Jan Paul van Hecke (CB): 8/10—Van Hecke rounded a measured showing at the back by doubling our lead to put the result beyond doubt.
Micky van de Ven (CB): 8/10—He continues to impress as a passer, and some of his recoveries were outstanding. Palace never got a look-in as a result.
Andy Robertson (LB): 7/10—Enjoying his relationship with Tel down the left. Robertson produced a couple of good deliveries from the left and some extra thrust when De Zerbi's side needed it.
Midfielders
Mateus Fernandes (CM): 7.5/10—Fernandes may not have stood out quite as he did at Stamford Bridge, yet the Portuguese offered plenty in possession, including some subtlety in the final third. Provided bite in the counter-press.
Sandro Tonali (CM): 8.5/10—The Italian is our fire extinguisher in the middle of the park. He puts out fires at will, rescuing Spurs in defensive transition. So good.
Omar Marmoush (AM): 6/10—Marmoush's best work in possession came during the relatively brief time he spent up top, producing a couple of tidy wall passes. Didn't quite click for him overall, but his work rate was admirable.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW): 7.5/10—It was a proper battle down the right flank with Tyrick Mitchell. The pair went at it for the duration, and both may leave N17 thinking they came out on top. Kudus was dangerous in spurts, but was guilty of overcomplicating things at times. His delivery for the opener was pinpoint.
Dominic Solanke (ST): 6/10—There was a swivel and shot at the start of the second half that was brilliant, forcing a good save from Henderson. Otherwise, didn't have much of a sniff. Worked hard.
Mathys Tel (LW): 7/10—Another step in the right direction for Tel, who was a thorn in Palace's low defence throughout. Decision-making was imperfect, but the Frenchman constantly sought to probe.
Substitutes
- Pedro Porro (46' for Gray): 7/10
- Conor Gallagher (65' for Solanke): 6.5/10
- Destiny Udogie (77' for Robertson): 5/10
- Dejan Kulusevski (77' for Marmoush): 6/10
- Luca Williams-Barnett (88' for Tel): N/A
Player of the match: Sandro Tonali
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