MusaTottenham were handed a significant advantage just 12 minutes into the contest when Jean-Philippe Mateta was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Micky van de Ven. Spurs made their numerical advantage count 12 minutes later, with Archie Gray rising highest to head home from a corner and register his first goal for the club.
Roberto De Zerbi’s men struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities for the remainder of the first half, but they went into the break with a deserved lead.
The second half offered little in the way of excitement, with Tottenham finding it difficult to turn their dominance into further chances. However, they eventually secured all three points late in the game when Jan Paul van Hecke headed home on the rebound after Dean Henderson produced an excellent initial save.
Tottenham player ratings as Fernandes becomes undroppable
Antonin Kinsky – C
The Czech goalkeeper endured a quiet evening as Tottenham controlled proceedings against a Palace side reduced to 10 men. He was rarely called into action and had very little to do throughout the contest.
Archie Gray – B
Gray marked another start at right-back with a superbly executed header to give Spurs the lead. He had relatively little defensive work to worry about following Mateta’s dismissal and looked comfortable whenever called upon. His withdrawal at half-time will be a concern, however, with Tottenham hoping it was not caused by a serious injury.
Jan Paul van Hecke – A
Van Hecke delivered an impressive performance at both ends of the pitch. Tottenham dealt comfortably with Palace’s attempts to threaten on the counter-attack, while the defender capped his display with a well-taken header to seal the victory.
His contribution was not limited to his defensive responsibilities, either. He also showed confidence and composure in possession, helping Spurs build attacks from the back. The performance offered further evidence of why the north London club were keen to secure his services from Brighton.
Micky van de Ven – B
Van de Ven continues to look like a vital figure in De Zerbi’s side after putting last season’s disappointing performances behind him. His pace, leadership and ability to bring the ball out from defence make him an extremely valuable member of the team. He was composed throughout and produced another dependable all-round display.
Andy Robertson – C
Robertson offered an attacking threat with several dangerous deliveries into the penalty area, helping Tottenham create opportunities from wide positions. He was also largely comfortable defensively, keeping Palace’s forwards under control for most of the evening.
Sandro Tonali – B
Tonali is increasingly establishing himself as a leader in Tottenham’s midfield. His energy, work rate and ability to contribute in different areas of the pitch have helped De Zerbi’s team dictate the tempo of matches. His performances are also making the reported £100 million investment look increasingly justified.
Mateus Fernandes – A
Fernandes produced another outstanding display in the centre of the pitch and is beginning to look increasingly comfortable under De Zerbi. His ability to win possession, disrupt Palace’s attacks and quickly help Spurs regain control was particularly impressive.
The Portuguese midfielder’s influence in this new role continues to grow, and he is making a convincing case that he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Mohammed Kudus – B
Kudus was a constant source of danger going forward, using his pace, dribbling ability and direct approach to trouble Tyrick Mitchell. He frequently moved across the attacking line, making himself difficult to track and giving Tottenham another useful attacking outlet.
Omar Marmoush – D
It was a frustrating evening for Marmoush, who struggled to make his presence felt despite Tottenham enjoying a numerical advantage for most of the contest. The Egyptian offered very little in the final third and failed to take advantage of the space available to him.
It was an underwhelming performance that is unlikely to silence supporters who have already begun questioning whether his signing was the right decision.
Mathys Tel – D
After enjoying a memorable moment in Tottenham’s victory over Chelsea, Tel was unable to maintain that momentum against Palace. He looked hesitant on the wing, with his final ball often letting him down, while he struggled to make enough forward-thinking contributions.
His display will raise further questions about his place in the starting XI, and he could find himself back among the substitutes next week.
Dominic Solanke – E
Solanke endured another difficult outing as Tottenham’s only natural striker continued to struggle to make an impression under De Zerbi. Although he received very little service, the England international also failed to do enough with his movement to create opportunities for himself.
His lack of influence is becoming a concern, and he could face a serious fight to retain his starting position once the rest of Tottenham’s attacking options are available.
Pedro Porro – C
Porro came on at half-time and immediately brought greater energy to Tottenham’s attacking play. His forward runs and creativity provided another dimension down the right, and he made a positive contribution after entering the contest.
Destiny Udogie – N/A
Not on the pitch long enough to receive a rating.
Dejan Kulusevski – N/A
Not on the pitch long enough to receive a rating.
Conor Gallagher – C
Gallagher replaced Solanke and was brought on to offer an additional threat through his late runs from midfield. He worked hard but struggled to make a significant impact during his time on the pitch.
Luca Williams-Barnett – B
Williams-Barnett had only a few minutes to impress, but he certainly made them count. The youngster showed confidence and impressive dribbling ability, creating a dangerous opportunity with some excellent work out wide.
He was unfortunate not to register an assist after Kudus failed to convert the chance that followed his impressive contribution. His brief appearance was nevertheless an encouraging one.
Musa
