Archie Gray's first Tottenham goal delivered a hard-fought 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, as Thomas Frank's side ground out a much-needed result at the end of a turbulent year. The 19-year-old midfielder struck three minutes before half-time, nodding in from close range after Palace once again failed to deal with a set piece, and that solitary moment of alertness proved enough to separate two tired, inconsistent teams.
Palace had the better of the general play and created more pressure, but their finishing again deserted them. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Justin Devenny, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi all passed up presentable chances, while at the other end Richarlison twice saw goals ruled out for offside and Wilson Odobert hit the post. The result lifts Spurs to 11th, one point behind Palace in ninth and four points off fifth-placed Chelsea, while extending Oliver Glasner's side's winless run to five games and underlining their growing problems in both boxes.
Palace on top as VAR and profligacy shape a tight first half
Tottenham arrived in south London under pressure, without suspended captain Cristian Romero and playmaker Xavi Simons after their dismissals against Liverpool and with a lengthy injury list further stretching Frank's options. Kevin Danso replaced Romero and was almost embroiled in yet another early red-card controversy when he tripped Devenny as the Palace midfielder broke through the middle within the first five minutes. Referee Jarred Gillett produced only a yellow, judging that Pedro Porro was covering, but the incident set the tone for a nervy start from the visitors.