Tottenham Hotspur travelled to Selhurst Park on December 28th, 2025, and emerged with a narrow 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace, a result that did more for the league table than for the aesthetic impression of their performance. For Thomas Frank, the win offered some breathing room amid growing pressure, buying him valuable time as Spurs manager.
Tactical analysis and match report by Sebastián Parreño
Initial Structures and the Battle of Shapes
From the outset, the game was shaped by two clear structural ideas. Tottenham defended out of possession in a 4-2-4, with Vicario in goal behind a back four of Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, and Spence. Bentancur and Archie Gray formed a double pivot tasked with aggressive tracking responsibilities, while Bergvall joined Richarlison from midfield to the front line, flanked by Kolo Muani and Kudus.
Crystal Palace, by contrast, built in a 3-4-3, with Lerma, Lacroix, and Guehi forming the back three. Clyne and Mitchell provided the width as wingbacks, while Hughes and Wharton operated centrally as the midfield duo. Ahead of them, Pino and Devenny supported Mateta, whose physical profile would become a key outlet across the ninety minutes.
The first half developed into an evenly balanced contest. Palace edged possession and shot volume, but Spurs created the clearest opportunity, particularly through a dead-ball situation. Neither side established consistent dominance in open play, largely due to the intensity and organization of the respective out-of-possesion schemes.
Palace’s Press Against Spurs’ Build-up
One of the defining features of the match was Palace’s ability to disrupt Tottenham’s attempts to play out from the back . . .