Son Heung-min and James Maddison showcased their brilliance once again as Tottenham secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, extending Ange Postecoglou’s undefeated streak to 10 games as manager.
With other matchweek 10 fixtures yet to be played, Spurs currently lead the Premier League table by five points.
[ MORE: 10 key questions for Week 10 of the Premier League season ]
Tottenham had to patiently and diligently work for the victory against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, who expertly executed their game plan of deep defense in a 4-5-1 formation and counter-attacking. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they were unable to do the most crucial part of the game — scoring goals — until it was too late. Despite Tottenham having 72 percent possession in the first half, Crystal Palace outshot them 8-3 (2-0 on target). However, Crystal Palace’s efforts only generated a total xG of 0.27 (compared to Tottenham’s 0.13).
Following halftime, Maddison, Son, and their teammates found more success. In the 53rd minute, Maddison’s pressure on goalkeeper Sam Johnstone almost resulted in a disastrous mistake, but the ball was cleared for a Tottenham throw-in. Tottenham quickly regained possession after the throw-in, and the ball eventually reached Maddison on the corner of the six-yard box. Although his shot missed the target, it struck defender Joel Ward and went into his own net.
Maddison’s influence was evident again in the 66th minute when he played a perfectly placed through ball to substitute winger Brennan Johnson, who then found Son unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. Son made no mistake and scored Tottenham’s second goal.
In stoppage time, Palace managed to pull a goal back through Ayew, but controversy surrounded the decision to award the goal after video review. Despite the ball hitting Ayew’s forearm before falling to his feet, the goal stood, and Crystal Palace couldn’t get any closer to a comeback.
What’s next?
Tottenham will face Chelsea on November 6 in their next Premier League fixture, marking the return of beloved former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino to north London. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will travel to Turf Moor to play against Burnley on November 4.
Player ratings – Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur, live score: 0-2
Goalscorers: Joel Ward (53′ – OG), Son Heung-min (66′)
53rd minute – James Maddison forces Joel Ward into opening own goal
66th minute – Brennan Johnson finds Son Heung-min for Spurs’ second goal
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 3pm ET, Friday (Oct. 27)
TV channel: USA Network
Online: Stream live on NBCSports.com
Crystal Palace starting lineup
Johnstone — Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell — Ayew, Lerma, Doucoure, Schlupp, Hughes — Edouard
Focus on Crystal Palace
OUT: Eberechi Eze (thigh), James Tomkins (calf), Dean Henderson (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Michael Olise (thigh)
Tottenham starting lineup
Vicario — Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies — Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison — Kulusevski, Son, Richarlison
Focus on Tottenham Hotspur
OUT: Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee), Alfie Whiteman (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Destiny Udogie (undisclosed), Ben Davies (knock)
