Spurs Web

Archie Gray has just done something that has not been seen at Tottenham Hotspur for nearly 10 years.

The 19-year-old was the hero for the Lilywhites at Selhurst Park, heading in his first senior goal, which proved to be the difference between Spurs and Crystal Palace.

The teenager was beaming ear-to-ear after nodding the header into the back of the net before being mobbed by his teammates.

Gray admitted that it was an ‘incredible feeling’ to open his account in front of goal for Tottenham, 18 months after his switch from Leeds United.

According to OptaJoe, Gray became the youngest Englishman to score a Premier League goal for Tottenham in nearly 10 years.

The Leeds academy graduate was 19 years and 291 days old on Sunday, which makes him the youngest Englishman since Dele Alli (19 years and 287 days) to score in the competition for the Lilywhites.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Interestingly, Dele’s goal also came against Palace and Selhurst Park, and it is a strike that most Spurs fans will remember.

Gray showed resilience to bounce back from mistake

It was only two weeks ago that Gray made a poor error against Nottingham Forest, and a moment like that could have shattered a young player’s confidence.

However, he has bounced back brilliantly from that and richly deserved his goal at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham were given a glimpse of what they have been missing with one bright cameo off the bench against Crystal Palace.

Thomas Frank saw his Tottenham Hotspur side get back to winning ways on Sunday evening when they secured a 1-0 win over London rivals Crystal Palace.

It was a hard-fought victory for Spurs, who had to dig deep as they defended their early first-half goal scored by 19-year-old Archie Gray.

Tottenham are now four points off fifth-placed Chelsea heading into the new year, and the expectation will be that they can carry on from here.

Wilson Odobert cameo stands out in Tottenham win

While three vital points were picked up, Spurs’ performance was far from convincing, especially in the first half, where they barely caused Crystal Palace problems.

However, in the second half, after a few changes, Spurs looked more threatening, particularly down the left when Wilson Odobert came on for Muani.

Despite featuring for just 27 minutes, Odobert was a standout performer for Tottenham, and his underlying numbers back this up.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Odobert’s stats from the match were as follows:

Why Spurs may need Odobert from the start

Spurs need to find the right balance in the forward areas of the pitch if they are to remain an attacking threat.

Presently, the balance on the left is non-existent when Muani is used in that position with Djed Spence supporting him, as both players often look to cut inside, making the pitch too narrow for Spurs and rendering their attacks down that side predictable.

Lucas Bergvall picked up an injury against Crystal Palace, meaning Tottenham have been tasked with identifying an alternative to fill the void.

Tottenham Hotspur might not be experiencing an injury crisis on the same level as last season, but there are still a number of players who remain unavailable.

Lucas Bergvall is the latest to join this list after having to be subbed off during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. This could be particularly problematic for Spurs because Pape Matar Sarr is away at AFCON and Xavi Simons is still suspended.

There are not many options left for Thomas Frank to call on, but here are three players who could step in to replace Bergvall.

Luca Williams-Barnett is the obvious choice to replace Bergvall

It is a shame that Luca Williams-Barnett has only played three minutes of football for the Tottenham senior team, because he appears to be a real talent.

The attacking midfielder would slot perfectly into the current team and possesses more natural attacking flair than Bergvall.

Williams-Barnett has registered 15 goals and seven assists in 16 appearances this season and now seems like the perfect time to give him his first taste of Premier League football.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Callum Olusesi could be handed a Spurs promotion

It is only just over three months until Callum Olusesi celebrates his 19th birthday, so he will want to be getting some first-team chances at this point in his career.

The central midfielder, who can also play in a more attacking role, has only made the Spurs squad once this season. This was when he was an unused substitute during the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.

Olusesi is one of Tottenham’s most promising academy prospects and he has been particularly impressive in the UEFA Youth League. It would be good to see him given a chance, even if it is only for one or two matches.

Tottenham could recall Jamie Donley from his disastrous loan spell

It would not be surprising if Spurs recall Jamie Donley from Stoke City and send him on loan elsewhere. After all, the Northern Ireland international has been given very few minutes to impress at the Bet365 Stadium.

Before sending Donely away again, Tottenham could actually look to use him until the return of either Bergvall or Simons.

The 20-year-old did very well at Leyton Orient last season and with experience of senior football already under his belt, he could be the best option to fill Bergvall’s boots.

Tottenham Hotspur are approaching a defining run of fixtures as the Premier League season reaches its midpoint, with their upcoming schedule offering an interesting comparison against the division’s traditional heavyweights.

Tottenham Hotspur have managed to stay abreast of the top sides in the Premier League despite their inconsistency so far this season.

We are at the halfway stage of the current league campaign, and Spurs, who sit in 11th place, are just four points off the top five.

Thomas Frank has already come under external pressure this term, given Spurs’ poor run of form, but with the Tottenham board backing him, he looks set to lead the club into 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur fixtures compared to Big Six rivals

Spurs ended a two-game losing streak in the Premier League when they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening, and, following that win, Spurs Web has taken a look at Tottenham’s upcoming Premier League fixtures compared to their Big Six rivals.

Arsenal’s next five fixtures

Chelsea’s next five fixtures

Liverpool’s next five fixtures

Manchester City’s next five fixtures

Manchester United’s next five fixtures

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow win over Crystal Palace may have eased some short-term pressure, but a closer look at the performance suggests deeper issues remain beneath the surface.

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans have consistently voiced their desire for the club to play front-foot attacking football.

However, under Thomas Frank, such displays have been hard to come by, even though Spurs have secured victories in several games already this season.

The Tottenham faithful remain unconvinced by the Dane, with many wondering if he is the right man to lead the club forward, given his pragmatic approach.

Stats highlight concerns after Tottenham win over Crystal Palace

Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace was more of the same from Tottenham, who were far from attacking in the first forty-five minutes.

In fact, Spurs failed to create a single chance from open play in the first half against Oliver Glasner’s side, with their only goal coming from a set piece.

Frank will take the win regardless, given the pressure and criticism he has received in recent months, but the underlying numbers show that the victory is merely papering over the cracks at Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Why Spurs performances remain a concern despite results

Tottenham were still far from being the dominant attacking side that many fans are desperate to see.

Stats show that Spurs managed eight shots in the game against Crystal Palace, with four of those on target.

However, they created just one big chance against their London rivals, who were far more threatening in attack and could quite easily have beaten Spurs on another day.

Palace, on the other hand, recorded 15 shots, two on target, two big chances created and had an expected goals figure of 1.47, compared to Spurs’ xG of 0.88.

Tottenham Hotspur managed to pick up all three points against Crystal Palace on Sunday and the match became a special occasion for one player in particular.

Tottenham Hotspur had a good record away from home in the Premier League this season, but this has not been the case in recent weeks.

Thomas Frank has seen his team suffer 4-1 and 3-0 defeats against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest respectively and they were unable to get a win at Newcastle United.

However, Spurs are back in form on the road after defeating Crystal Palace by a single goal. Here are the three winners and losers from the closely contested victory.

Archie Gray was on target for Tottenham

Archie Gray has been nowhere to be seen for a large part of this season, but he has recently enjoyed a good run of matches in the first-team.

The young midfielder came under fire after his costly error against Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago, but he will remember his display against Crystal Palace for all the right reasons.

Gray scored what would go on to be Tottenham’s winning goal, heading the ball in from a corner. It was not the most difficult finish, but he got himself into the right place at the right time to become the hero for Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Kevin Danso kept a clean sheet

Cristian Romero was ruled out of the Crystal Palace fixture after his moment of madness against Liverpool saw him shown a red card. This meant Kevin Danso had to step up, as he has already done this season.

The 27-year-old did not look at all out of place in the Tottenham team. In fact, he was one of their best players during the 1-0 victory.

Danso won 11 duels and made 16 clearances in what was a fine defensive display. He also looked to help Spurs launch attacks with his long balls.

Wilson Odobert looked lively off the Tottenham bench

Even though Wilson Odobert was not selected to start against Crystal Palace, he made his presence known on the pitch.

The winger entered the pitch shortly after the hour mark and almost found the net with a very good effort which bounced out off the inside of the post.

Odobert won all his duels and always looked to get forward when the ball was at his feet. He should definitely be on the pitch from the start against Brentford on Thursday.

Now let’s look at the three losers from Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham…

Lucas Bergvall has picked up an injury

Lucas Bergvall has found himself in a more attacking role this season and he has shown a lot of promise at certain moments.

However, the Swede failed to create chances against Crystal Palace and was one of the least effective players on the pitch.

Things got worse for Bergvall as he was substituted after getting injured, so he could not be looking at a spell on the sidelines.

Randal Kolo Muani was a waste on the left wing

Frank must surely understand after Sunday that there is no use in playing Randal Kolo Muani as a winger, because he did very little for Tottenham.

The France international failed to go on any successful dribbles and did nothing notable during the 63 minutes he spent on the pitch.

Richarlison might not have added to his goals tally against Palace, but he did have two efforts disallowed and an assist which counted. It certainly seems as though he will continue to start in the striker role ahead of Muani.

Pedro Porro is struggling at Tottenham

The award for the best Spurs assist this season goes to… Pedro Porro. Or at least it would have if offside goals counted, because his cross to Richarlison in the first half was simply outstanding.

Unfortunately, the right back’s crossing for the rest of the game was below his usual standards and he struggled to help Tottenham in attack.

Porro worked hard in defence, but there were times when he was dribbled past or failed to make tackles. Also, the 26 year old’s passing was really poor throughout the game, something which needs to change when he returns to action against Brentford.

Thomas Frank has suggested that Tottenham’s performances over the last couple of months have not been as bad as the results suggest.

Spurs emerged with a hard-fought 1-0 win from Selhurst Park on Sunday, which was just their second Premier League win in their last nine matches.

The result sees the move upto 11th place in the table, leaving the Lilywhites just four points off Chelsea in fifth place, which perhaps demonstrates how close the Premier League is this term.

The result also relieves Frank of a little pressure for the time being, with Spurs now boasting of the best away record in the division.

Thomas Frank believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction

The Tottenham head coach suggested that the consistency in his side’s performances of late has been better than the results suggest.

He pointed out that his side gave Liverpool a game last weekend despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the encounter.

MORE SPURS STORIES

When asked if Champions League qualification now seems achievable since Spurs are just four points behind fifth place, Frank responded (via Football.London): “I think, how can you say it, the consistency in these performances, before the game I said we had four out of five good performances, including the Liverpool one in many ways.

“This is another one in terms of consistently working hard. Not everything was perfect, but it’s a good step in the right direction. That’s what we need to keep working on. Then get a little bit more in form of the offensive players, and then step by step.”

Frank highlights Spurs’ set-piece edge

One area where Frank has undoubtedly improved Tottenham is in their effectiveness in set pieces.

Archie Gray’s goal against Crystal Palace is the ninth time the North Londoners have scored from set-pieces this season, and Frank admitted that he is delighted with the way the players have bought into that aspect of the game.

The 52-year-old added: “Every team needs to find an edge, and set-pieces is one hugely important area. We saw the Chelsea v Villa game yesterday, and two out of three goals were set-pieces, so it is hugely important we keep working on that and very happy the way the players have really brought into it.”

Thomas Frank has revealed whether Brennan Johnson has a future at Tottenham amid the ongoing speculation about the winger’s future.

It has been widely reported over the past two weeks that Spurs are prepared to cash in on the Wales international, who has found starts hard to come by this season.

As many as five English clubs are interested in Johnson, and Tottenham came up against one of them on Sunday evening in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace are thought to be leading the race for the Spurs winger, while it has also emerged over recent days that Aston Villa have made contact with the Tottenham star over a January move.

Thomas Frank reveals if he wants Brennan Johnson to stay at Tottenham

The 24-year-old, who finished as Tottenham’s top scorer last season with 18 goals across all competitions, has started just six Premier League matches this term.

However, Frank has suggested his lack of minutes is down to Mohammed Kudus nailing down the right-wing spot and added that the former Nottingham Forest remains an important part of his plans.

When asked about the speculation over Johnson’s future, the Spurs head coach responded (via Football.London): “Yeah, I think Brennan is very important for us. Maybe he didn’t get many minutes, but unfortunately, we can only play 11 players. We spoke about it before with Mo (Mohammed Kudus), he’s coming in and putting his stamp on that right-wing position. Then, on the left, we tried different solutions. He’s still started quite a few games. I think Brennan is an important player for us.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Frank reacts to Fabio Paratici’s Spurs exit rumours

Johnson is not the only big name who could leave Tottenham, with reports indicating that Fabio Paratici is expected to soon be announced as Fiorentina’s head of football.

However, interestingly, Paratici was spotted sitting beside Spurs CEO Vinai Venketesham at Selhurst Park during Spurs’ 1-0 win.

When asked about the Italian attending the game despite being backed to leave Tottenham, Frank responded: “I didn’t know that Vinai and Fabio were here today, but I expected them to be. As I said the whole time, there are a lot of rumours with a lot of things. Players, staff members, directors, whatever it is, I don’t comment on them.”

Playing for one last time in 2025, Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways in the Premier League after back-to-back defeats, grinding out a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

With more than a week to prepare for this fixture, the performance was still far from convincing for long spells, but that will likely be overlooked by the fact that Spurs got away with three points against a Palace side that completed a league double over them last season.

Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons, both unavailable after their red cards against Liverpool, were replaced by Richarlison and Kevin Danso in the starting XI. Kota Takai also made his way into the Spurs matchday squad for the first time this season, although the Japanese youngster remained an unused substitute.

First half: Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

After a couple of early warning signs from Palace, including one moment that required a timely intervention from Danso and earned him a booking, Tottenham briefly thought they had taken the lead. Pedro Porro’s cross from the right found Richarlison at the back post, and the Brazilian tapped in from close range, only for VAR to disallow it as Lucas Bergvall was judged to be offside in the build-up.

Following the let-off, Palace gradually began to grow into the game, with Jean-Philippe Mateta twice going close, first flashing a low effort narrowly wide of Vicario’s post before heading just over from close range. Adam Wharton, who was comfortably the best player on the pitch, then curled a tame effort straight at Guglielmo Vicario after intercepting a loose pass from Djed Spence.

Against the run of play, however, Spurs managed to take the lead just before the break. Porro’s corner caused chaos in the penalty area, and Richarlison flicked the ball on for Archie Gray to nod home from close range, scoring his first Premier League goal and giving Tottenham something to protect at half-time.

Second half: Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

With Palace expectedly carrying more threat after the restart, they squandered their best chance to equalise when Justin Devenny failed to direct his close-range effort on target after being brilliantly set up by Yeremi Pino. Maxence Lacroix then went close with a header from another Wharton delivery, glancing just wide of the post.

MORE SPURS STORIES

At the other end, Spurs once again had the ball in the net, and once again VAR had other ideas. Mohammed Kudus delivered a low cross from the right that Richarlison slammed into the roof of the net, but the Brazilian was ruled marginally offside after a lengthy check.

Richarlison, who could easily have had a brace by this point, went close again soon after, meeting another Kudus delivery but shooting straight at Dean Henderson. Radu Dragusin then made his first appearance after almost a year out with an ACL injury, as Spurs shifted into a back five.

The change brought some sense of control, and substitutes began to make an impact. Wilson Odobert struck the post after some good link-up play with Richarlison, before later going close again when his low cross picked out Porro, whose cut-back was met by Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan’s first-time curling effort was destined for the corner until Henderson produced a brilliant one-handed stop to protect Palace’s goal difference.

FT: CRYSTAL PALACE 0-1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Spurs Web man of the match: Archie Gray

What’s next for Spurs

There is not a huge amount to take away from the performance as a whole, but the cameos from Wilson Odobert and Joao Palhinha stood out, the latter in particular playing a big role in helping Spurs preserve their clean sheet.

With this result, Tottenham end 2025 on a high and, despite their ongoing struggles at home, they boast the best away record in the Premier League this season, collecting 17 points from nine matches with five wins, two draws and two defeats. That said, their home form remains a glaring concern and is one of the poorest in the division.

Thomas Frank was extremely pleased with one particular trait that his Tottenham Hotspur players showed at Selhurst Park.

The game in South London was far from a classic, and Tottenham had to defend with their backs to the wall for large parts of it.

However, it was clear that all that mattered to the Spurs players and staff was the three points, and the relief was evident on their faces after the final whistle.

Archie Gray scored the game’s only goal, heading the ball in from close range in the first half, and the Tottenham boss was extremely pleased with what he saw from his players in the second period.

Thomas Frank praises Tottenham’s resilience and discipline

The Dane conceded that it was not an outstanding performance from his players by any means, but admitted that it was all about getting over the line and registering a win.

He praised his players for the resilience they showed and for being able to nullify Palace’s threat from transitions.

Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win at Selhurst Park, Frank told BBC Sport: “Sometimes you need those margins to help you a little bit, and that could have helped massively in a tight game. In the end, we got over the line. The team showed great resilience today and I think the desire beat the details in the game, the desire just to win.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“I liked the discipline in the team, the way we gave very few transitions away which is the threat of Crystal Palace. The discipline to not give those away was good because that is what they want.”

Frank proud of the way Spurs defended against Crystal Palace

The Lilywhites were without their captain Cristian Romero, who was serving a suspension following his red card against Liverpool.

However, as always, Kevin Danso hardly put a foot wrong at Selhurst Park, and Frank admitted that emerging with a clean sheet was a big accomplishment by his players, pointing out that they fought for each other.

The 52-year-old added: “We defended excellently, we gave maybe one chance away in open play and the rest was set pieces. In such a tight game to get the 1-0 win and a clean sheet, in a performance that is not perfect, is a massive thing.

“I don’t think it’s for me, they fight and they battle because they want to be a good team. They fight for each other, for the club, the staff, the fans most importantly. I liked the character and mentality in team today, there is so much to improve but you need to have that in the Premier League, especially away from home.”