Gray Header Seals Spurs Win at Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur eased the pressure on manager Frank with a vital 1–0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Teenager Archie Gray scored the decisive goal in the first half, heading home to secure all three points for Spurs after back-to-back league defeats. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Tottenham held firm to record a much-needed win.

Listeners were able to follow live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live from Selhurst Park.

VAR Frustration for Spurs

Tottenham could have extended their lead, but Richarlison had two goals ruled out by VAR for offside, denying the visitors further breathing space.

Nevertheless, the win provides a timely boost for Spurs and their manager after a difficult run of results.

Palace Left to Rue Missed Chances

Crystal Palace dominated large spells of the game but once again paid the price for failing to convert opportunities.

Speaking after the match, Palace boss Oliver Glasner expressed his frustration:

“Very disappointing result. If you don’t score, you can’t win. We created chances again but missed them, and then got punished from a set play. It’s been the story of many games this season.”

He added that while Palace controlled the game and forced Tottenham deep into their own half, poor decision-making in the final third proved costly:

“All the patterns we work on are there, but the closer we get to goal, the more nervous we look. The finishing quality just wasn’t there today.”

Hughes: Performance Not Enough

Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes echoed his manager’s sentiments, admitting ruthlessness in front of goal was the difference:

“We had chances throughout the game, but just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. We can be proud of the performance, but performances don’t get you three points — and that’s why we’re frustrated.”

Hughes also pointed to improvements compared to last week’s defeat:

“Compared to the Leeds game, this was much better. But again, it’s the result that hurts.”

Gray Delighted to Turn Things Around

Match-winner Archie Gray, speaking to Sky Sports and BBC Match of the Day, said the victory was crucial for Tottenham’s confidence:

“It’s been a few difficult games. We’ve had some good performances and some not so good ones, so it’s great to get a result and hopefully build from here.”

The young midfielder also praised the work being done on the training ground:

“Every day we’re learning new things with the manager — how we press, how we build up. We’re improving as a unit and getting better all the time.”

Palace Reflect on a Historic Year

Despite the disappointment, Palace players acknowledged the club’s broader progress.

“It’s hard to see it straight after a loss,” one Palace voice noted, “but when we step back and look at the year as a whole, it’s been unprecedented for the club in terms of achievements and trophies.”