- Tottenham extends lead.
- Palace’s early challenges.
- Postecoglou’s positive outlook.
Everything is falling into place for Ange Postecoglou. Five days after securing a second routine victory over London rivals, Tottenham extended their lead at the top of the table by five points, thanks to Son Heung-min’s eighth league goal and Joel Ward’s own goal. Spurs are now contemplating how far they can progress this season.
A Challenging First Half
It wasn’t exactly the free-flowing football that this Spurs squad has become accustomed to under their dynamic new manager, but after being held back in the first half by a tenacious Palace defence, James Maddison’s moment of inspiration provided the breakthrough they needed. Despite Roy Hodgson presiding over his 500th game as manager of English clubs in all competitions and the fact that a visit to this stadium is never an easy proposition for title contenders, Tottenham breezed through their most recent test, even though Jordan Ayew’s late consolation strike had threatened Palace’s comeback.
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Postecoglou’s Perspective
The celebrations in the away end following the final whistle indicated that those who traveled south of the river were not indifferent to the significance of this outcome. As Tottenham supporters have come to expect, Postecoglou appeared completely unconcerned by his team’s late arrival due to Friday night traffic jams, stating in his pre-match interview that “these things happen in life.” Only Bill Nicholson’s 1961 double-winning team has had a better start to a Premier League season, and the Australian did nothing to dash hopes that Tottenham, who defeated Fulham 2-0 on Monday, can maintain their flying momentum.
“Believe in your dreams; that is the essence of being a football fan,” he advised. “It goes without saying that this group has endured quite a lot, and I have no intention of diminishing that. It is most important to me that we provide our supporters with happiness and optimism. For this reason, football clubs exist.”
Hodgson’s Expectations and Palace’s Efforts
Hodgson acknowledged that his opposite number’s impressive start at Spurs had not surprised him, as they had previously clashed during Postecoglou’s 2016 tenure as Australia’s coach. However, despite the lack of creativity from Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Hodgson had promised a response from his squad following last week’s 4-0 rout of the league leaders in Newcastle.
A Game of Opportunities
Under the floodlights, Palace appeared up to the challenge and had two opportunities to take the lead in the opening ten minutes. Will Hughes seemed to have a clear shot on goal but was unable to assist Ayew in breaking through the Tottenham defense despite his efforts; Guglielmo Vicario saved the day for the Ghana forward. As the hosts applied pressure, an improved Italian save thwarted Odsonne Édouard’s shot 90 seconds later.
Tottenham, nevertheless, gradually regained their footing; Maddison’s probing run down the left flank came to an end when Jefferson Lerma cleared his cross, with Son loitering nearby. Maddison was about to attempt a shot from the perimeter of the box when Lerma made a timely interception that thwarted his attempt. Édouard’s touch let him down inside the area. Joachim Andersen’s header from a succession of corners concluded the first half with a bang as Palace finished the match strongly.
Tottenham failed to muster a single chance on target during the initial half-hour, prompting Postecoglou to substitute Emerson Royal for Ben Davies in response to his side’s lackluster performance.
Hodgson had only achieved a single victory against Spurs in twenty prior Premier League meetings, but when Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross nearly deflected into Édouard’s path, he must have perceived a genuine opportunity. However, those expectations were dashed immediately when Maddison found space inside the Palace area, and Ward, despite the absence of pressure around him, inadvertently converted his cross into his own net. “It was a pivotal moment in the game,” Hodgson conceded.
Marc Guéhi misdirected his header from a Hughes corner kick poorly, preventing the hosts from responding to their setback immediately. After struggling to scoreless draws in consecutive matches at this venue against Fulham and Nottingham Forest, Palace’s chances of regaining the lead appeared remote. Son set up a tap-in after a beautiful left-wing play featuring Maddison and Brennan Johnson.
Ayew’s spectacular volley from the edge of the penalty area in stoppage time provided Palace with a glimmer of hope that he had not handled the ball with his hand. It took VAR several minutes to confirm that Ayew had not used his hand to control the ball. If Brazilian Matheus Franca had been able to aim his final shot of the match in the intended direction, Palace would have achieved the most improbable of comebacks.
“At last, it was confirmed that Tottenham had won the league,” the away supporters exclaimed. “We’re at the top of the standings.” It will be fascinating to see how long they can maintain their position.
