Tottenham Hotspur were having a difficult set of fixtures in recent weeks, but they did tremendously well to knock down the opponents one after another and maintained their unbeaten status in due course. However, the Sunday afternoon fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was not going to be a cakewalk for Mauricio Pochettino’s men who were in desperate need to win the game and stake a claim for next season’s Champions League berth.
Palace, on the other hand, are struggling due to injuries and the scare of relegation was looming large once again following a series of dismal outings. Although they did their level best to grind out a result from the game, it was Harry Kane once again whose late header broke down the Eagles’ resilience and earned the visitors three massive points in ‘top four’ race.
Below are the Spurs players rated and slated in their nervy win against Crystal Palace.
Hugo Lloris: 6.5
The Frenchman made some routine stops but failed to handle the ball cleanly twice in the second half. Was lucky to avoid punishment as the referee and the linesman did not spot him handling the ball outside the box. Palace, however, did not pose enough threat up front and the custodian earned an easy clean-sheet for his team.
Serge Aurier: 7
Was called for a couple of foul throws and did not track back at times that led Andros Townsend to run forward in order to create rare attacking opportunities for the hosts. Was a constant threat in the attack though but missed a sitter from four yards out in closing minutes.
Davinson Sanchez: 7.5
The youngster impressed once again by dealing well with Christian Benteke as he did not allow the big Belgian to run the show inside the box.
Eric Dier: 7.5
Dier started the game in the heart of Spurs defence and did a decent job alongside Sanchez. Made some routine clearances, interceptions and impressed with his passing traits.
Ben Davies: 8
Has been a constant threat down the left-hand flank. Tested the keeper Wayne Hennessey once and his crosses were often creating menace in the Palace box.
Victor Wanyama: 7
Started the game in his usual deeper midfield role. Played his part well by winning back possession and constitute moves from the back against the hosts who were not enough interested in moving forward.
Mousa Dembele: 6.5
Had an unlikely quiet afternoon mostly due to the Eagles’ lack of intent to stride forward and combat in the midfield. Was replaced by Heung-min Son late in the game.
Christian Eriksen: 7
His deliveries were not up to the mark on most occasion barring the ultimate corner that was headed home by Harry Kane in closing minutes.
Dele Alli: 6
Made some ambitious runs and showed impressive footwork but once again dived into the box to earn a penalty. He certainly has qualities, but these antics are harming his career growth.
Eric Lamela: 6
The Argentine started the game down the left-hand flank but offered little to create chances against a resilient Palace backline. Was replaced by Lucas Moura midway in the second half.
Harry Kane: 8.5
The saviour struck again to net his 35th goal of the season and once again tops the list of league’s top scorers overtaking Mohamed Salah. He came close on a number of occasions but finally broke the deadlock in dying minutes when he headed home from Eriksen’s corner.
Substitutes
Lucas Moura: 6
Made some ambitious runs but was being dispossessed frequently as he is yet to understand the intensity of Premier League football.
Heung-min Son: 6.5
Certainly added attacking flair by running down the flank and creating space inside the box by drawing the defenders towards 20him.
