The Football Faithful

Arsenal vs Tottenham – North London Derby Combined XI

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Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the latest instalment of the North London Derby this evening.

One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the Premier League calendar returns, in a contest that rarely lacks entertainment. Arsenal will start as favourites and can move within four points of leaders Liverpool with a win, though Spurs will be keen to derail their rival’s title bid and get a stuttering season back on track.

Ahead of the clash, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two squads – using only available players.

Arsenal vs Tottenham – North London Derby Combined XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Antonin Kinsky has made a solid start at Spurs since arriving from Slavia Prague this month, but the 21-year-old misses out to David Raya for selection here. Raya has grown in importance at Arsenal since arriving from Brentford, winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove last season. He ranks second for clean sheets (7) and third for save percentage (76.1%) in the Premier League this season.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Pedro Porro is one of several Spurs players to have endured an up-and-down campaign, but the right-back is a hugely effective option when at his best. The Spaniard has brilliant delivery and has recorded four assists in the Premier League this season. Only Antonee Robinson and Rayan Ait-Nouri have more among defenders.

Despite reservations over his defensive game, Porro ranked second for dribblers tackled across Europe’s top five leagues in 2023/24.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

William Saliba’s introduction to the Arsenal side has coincided with the Gunners’ emergence as one of Europe’s best defensive outfits. Composure personified, Saliba has earned consecutive inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year and made The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2024. There are not many better centre-backs in world football right now.

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

Saliba’s central defensive partner joins him in our Combined XI, having formed a rock-like understanding for Arsenal. A straightforward selection given the absences of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Gabriel has evolved into a dominant presence in both penalty boxes for the Gunners.

Left-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Jurrien Timber deserves immense credit for the campaign he has put together. After his debut season was decimated by an ACL injury, he’s bounced back in style. The Dutchman is a tenacious defender and cool in possession. His ability to slot in seamlessly across the back four is priceless.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Arsenal need Declan Rice back to his best with the midfielder short of his usual standard right now. Rice, however, can be the driving force of Arsenal’s engine room with intelligent ball-winning and purposeful surges forward. An impactful North London Derby performance will go a long way to returning to form.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

James Maddison is a lovely footballer to watch but, like many of his Spurs teammates, has not quite clicked consistently this season. That said, a return of 12 goals and assists from 14 league starts is a healthy return from the 28-year-old, who Ange Postecoglou needs to coax more from.

Midfield: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Arsenal’s chief creator completes our midfield trio. Martin Odegaard is another whose form has not reached previous standards but there have been encouraging glimpses of late. Against Manchester United at the weekend, he created 10 chances – the most by a Premier League player in any game this season. His teammates can not afford to be so wasteful.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Dejan Kulusevski has been the standout of a struggling Spurs side this season. The Swede combines deceptive strength with nimble footwork, while no Premier League player has covered more ground per 90 (12.4km) than Kulusevski this season. He’s already matched his goal return from last season (8) and has added eight assists. At just 24, the best might still be to come.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

It’s an indicator of the quality of Heung-min Son that some have suggested the South Korean is on the decline this season. The 32-year-old has averaged a Premier League goal or assist every 113 minutes and will be the player Arsenal most fear this evening. Son has scored seven previous goals in the North London Derby.

Forward: Dominic Solanke – Tottenham

Dominic Solanke edges out Kai Havertz for the centre-forward role in our side. Solanke has made a solid start at Spurs since his club-record arrival from Bournemouth, despite a difficult campaign in North London.

Ange Postecoglou admitted recently that Solanke has ‘carried’ the frontline for Spurs on occasion. A return of 11 goals and seven assists is a respectable return as we reach mid-January and he’s got eight goal involvements in eight games against the ‘Big Six’ this season.

Read – Arsenal vs Tottenham – Match preview and team news

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Spurs 'giving everything' as Forest deliver latest blow

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Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou says his players are “giving everything” on the pitch after falling to defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham enjoyed the majority of possession and took more shots than their opponents, but Anthony Elanga’s first-half goal was the difference between the two sides at the City Ground.

The result means the Lilywhites remain 11th in the Premier League and could drop down even further if Brentford beat Brighton on Friday.

Spurs players ‘giving everything’ as Forest deliver latest blow

“Tight game, not much in it,” Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live . “The way Forest play it was never going to be an open game.

“They scored from their counter-attack and we couldn’t claw it back.

“You kind of know when the game is in the balance and I thought we were in control up until that point [Elanga’s opening goal].”

Forest were just the fourth side to hold Spurs scoreless in a game this season. Postecoglou put their inability to find the net down to a “combination of things”.

“The keeper [Matz Sels] pulled off a couple of good saves and we lacked that opportunity getting a clear cut chance on goal,” the Australian said.

“They’re giving everything at the moment and it is not an easy place to come.”

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Combined XI

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Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, in one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes on the calendar.

The London rivals have similar ambitions for the campaign but are in contrasting form. Ahead of a crucial capital clash in North London, we’ve picked our combined XI from the two squads – using only available players.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea

Robert Sanchez has convinced few at Chelsea but the absence of Guglielmo Vicario for Spurs earns the Spaniard the gloves here. Sanchez ranks second in the Premier League for save percentage (81%) this season but is coming under pressure from Filip Jorgensen for the number one shirt.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Pedro Porro is not alone in struggling in a Spurs shirt right now, and recent form does not warrant inclusion here, but the Spaniard is a player of real quality when at his best. Last season, he ranked in the Premier League’s top 10 players for tackles won, dribblers tackled, crosses and blocks, while scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Ange Postecoglou badly needs the right-back to rediscover that form.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham

Cristian Romero could return to the Spurs side to reinforce a depleted defence. A leader of the side, his aggressive defending and distribution from deep are important to the North Londoners. The World Cup winner has been an integral part of Argentina’s recent tournament successes.

Centre-back: Levi Colwill – Chelsea

Levi Colwill is growing into his role as a senior option at Chelsea. After sporadic appearances last season, he’s settled at centre-back under Enzo Maresca. The 21-year-old is in the Premier League’s top 10 players for progressive passing distance, percentage of dribblers tackled and touches this season.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

Written off earlier in his Chelsea career, the comeback has certainly been greater than the setback for Marc Cucurella. After a strong run-in last season, the left-back starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and has continued to deliver consistently for Chelsea. Whether overlapping or inverting into midfield, he’s a key cog.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea

Another big-money signing on the up at Chelsea. Caicedo candidly admitted he initially struggled under the weight of expectation after his £115m move from Brighton but he has been an all-action force this season.

Enzo Maresca believed the Ecuadorian is among the best defensive midfielders in the division.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

James Maddison has perhaps epitomised the inconsistency at Spurs. When on it, however, he is a wonderful watch. His performance in the 4-0 win at Manchester City was a reminder of his capabilities and Spurs need to coax that from the midfielder on a regular basis. An England recall beckons if the 28-year-old can find that level consistently.

Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Chelsea’s recruitment focus has centred around a constellation of starlets and Cole Palmer’s has shone brightest. The 22-year-old has been a revelation in a Chelsea shirt, emerging as one of the Premier League’s poster-boys at Stamford Bridge. He has 47 goals and assists in the Premier League since his debut last year – more than any other player in the division. The kid is special.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Even in an underperforming Spurs side, Dejan Kulusevki has quietly been one of the players of the campaign so far. The Swede is a unique blend of powerful frame and delicate footwork and has produced consistent creativity for the North London side. Only three Premier League players have created more chance than Kulusevski in 2024/25.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

Still the likeliest avenue to goal for Spurs. The standard Son has set is so high that his campaign has been adjudged below-par even with a record of seven goals and assists in 10 league starts. The South Korean has averaged a goal involvement every 121 minutes so far this season. Imagine when he hits form.

Forward: Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea

A contender for the most improved player of the Premier League campaign. Nicolas Jackson navigated a mixed first season in a Chelsea shirt to bounce back better than ever, silencing the criticism of his early adaptation. He has led the line impressively for Enzo Maresca, refined his finishing, and has shown signs of a player who still has levels to go. It’s 11 goal involvements in 13 appearances for the Senegalese striker this season.

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Tottenham vs Roma – Predicted lineup and team news

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Tottenham Hotspur host AS Roma in the Europa League this evening, aiming to bounce back from defeat in Europe last time out.

An enthralling encounter at Galatasaray ended in defeat for the North Londoners, who sit seventh in the standings with nine points won from four games.

At the weekend, Spurs thrashed Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad in arguably the best performance of Ange Postecoglou’s reign. James Maddison was on target twice against the Premier League champions, with Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson completing the rout.

Attention now turns back to Europe as Spurs look to secure a top-eight finish and automatic progress into the competition’s Round of 16.

Tottenham vs Roma – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham team news

Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Cristian Romero is progressing well from a foot problem but the centre-back is unlikely to feature on Thursday night. Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies will continue to deputise, with Micky van de Ven also sidelined.

Guglielmo Vicario is facing a long spell out after undergoing surgery on a fractured ankle sustained at the weekend. Fraser Forster will come in for the Italian in goal.

Richarlison remains out with a thigh issue, though Rodrigo Bentancur is available despite his seven-match ban in domestic competitions. He should return to the side against Roma. Will Lankshear’s red card against Galatasaray means the young forward is suspended.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Roma

Spurs predicted XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner.

When is Tottenham vs Roma?

Tottenham host Roma in the Europa League on Thursday November 28th 2024. Kick-off in North London is 20:00 GMT.

What TV channel is Tottenham vs Roma on?

Spurs vs Roma will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

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Tottenham vs Ipswich Town – Match Preview and Team News

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Spurs welcome Ipswich Town to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League for the first time this Sunday.

The Lilywhites are still yearning for consistency after being on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline away at Turkish giants Galatasaray on Thursday night.

The visitors, meanwhile, are yet to win a game on their return to England’s top flight with five draws and five losses in ten games.

Cristian Romero faces a late fitness test after the Argentine missed the trip to Turkey with a toe injury he sustained against Aston Villa last weekend.

Every Spurs player involved in that Europa League game returned home unscathed and Djed Spence has returned to training, but the likes of Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Timo Werner and Mikey Moore remain sidelined.

Kalvin Phillips is suspended for Sunday’s game after the midfielder was sent off for two bookable offences in the Tractor Boys’ draw with Leicester City last weekend, while Chiedozie Ogbene, Axel Tuanzebe and Jacob Greaves are sidelined with injuries.

Tottenham vs Ipswich Town match preview and team news

Form

Tottenham: WLWWL

The Premier League’s top scorers will be looking to add to their tally this Sunday while securing consecutive league victories.

Tottenham put four of their 22 goals scored in the league this term past Aston Villa in one half last weekend as Ange Postecoglou’s side came from behind to batter the Villans.

The north London outfit were brought back down to Earth in midweek as they came the wrong side of a five-goal thriller in Europe.

Spurs academy graduate Will Lankshear recorded his first senior goal but his night would end prematurely as he was shown a red card after receiving two bookings.

They have won four out of their five home games this season with their only loss coming in the North London derby to Arsenal.

Ipswich: DLLLD

The Tractor Boys are desperate for their first Premier League win since 2002 as their first three point haul of the season has alluded them so far.

They were seconds away from claiming that triumph they crave last weekend but Jordan Ayew equalised in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time to make Ipswich wait at least a little longer for that winning feeling.

Ipswich have drawn the most games out of any Premier League team this season with half of their ten games ending in stalemates so far.

As much as that draw with Leicester would have frustrated them, at the very least it stopped the rut of three successive league losses.

Kieran McKenna used to be employed by Tottenham as their U18 coach back in 2016 and the Irishman will be looking to get one over his former club in North London.

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Last Meeting

Ipswich Town 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 12th January 2002.

Ipswich were the victors when the two sides last met, as they won 2-1 almost 23 years ago.

Marcus Bent emphatically headed home the opening goal at Portman Road, as he was left unmarked from a corner just after the tenth minute.

Spurs goalkeeper Neil Sullivan had to produce some heroics to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead as he somehow palmed away Bent’s strong effort from eight yards out.

Seconds after a Tottenham equaliser was ruled out for offside, the Lilywhites did level matters as Gus Poyet rifled the ball past Andy Marshall.

But it would be another set-piece that would win the game for Ipswich as it was John McGreal’s turn to nod past Sullivan.

However, that campaign would end sourly for the Suffolk-based team, as it was to be their last Premier League season for over two decades as they finished 18th and were relegated.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Ipswich: Muric, Johnson, O’Shea, Woolfenden, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Clarke, Szmodics, Hutchinson, Delap.

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Who is the referee?

Darren England will be the match official. He will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Neil Davies while Robert Jones will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Mark Scholes.

What TV channel will Tottenham vs Ipswich be on?

Tottenham vs Ipswich will not be televised in the United Kingdom.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 10th November 2024.

Odds

Tottenham: 3/10

Draw: 6/1

Ipswich: 8/1

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Tottenham vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

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Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. The North Londoners are aiming to claw back precious points in the top-four race, after an inconsistent start to the season.

Progress to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals increased confidence in midweek, as goals from Timo Werner and Pape Matar Sarr eliminated Manchester City.

Spurs have won eight of their last 10 games across all competitions, though defeats to Brighton and Crystal Palace in their last three Premier League games leaves them 10th.

Aston Villa exceeded expectations to secure a top-four finish last season and can climb to third with a win in the capital. Unai Emery’s men have won on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham team news

Spurs will be without Micky van de Ven until after November’s international break after he sustained a hamstring injury in midweek. Ange Postecoglou has played down the severity of the Dutch defender’s issue but Van de Ven will play no part of the club’s next three fixtures. Van de Ven’s absence will hand an opportunity to Radu Dragusin, who has struggled for regular first-team football since his arrival from Genoa.

There is more positive news on Heung-min Son, who is likely to return to the starting side. The Spurs captain scored twice in Tottenham’s 4-0 win at Villa Park last season. Djed Spence is a major doubt, while Wilson Odobert is a confirmed absentee.

Tottenham predicted lineup

Spurs predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Romero, Udogie; Bentancur, Maddison, Kulusevski; Johnson, Son, Solanke.

When is Tottenham vs Aston Villa?

Tottenham host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday 3rd November 2024. Kick-off in North London is 14:00 GMT.

What TV channel is Tottenham vs Aston Villa?

The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

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Tottenham vs Man City – Predicted lineup and team news

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Ange Postecoglou will demand a response from Tottenham this evening as the North Londoners host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Spurs suffered a setback after a disappointing defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend, with Postecoglou’s side producing a poor performance at Selhurst Park.

Manchester City are the visitors tonight in the headline fixture from the Carabao Cup’s fourth round.

The Citizens have won five consecutive games in all competitions and are yet to taste defeat in any competition in 2024/25. Pep Guardiola is a four-time winner of this competition, while only Liverpool (10) have lifted the trophy more times than City (8).

Tottenham vs Man City – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham team news

Spurs are set to be without Son Heung-min for the clash with the Citizens with the South Korean unlikely to be risked. The Citizens will be delighted to see the Spurs skipper absent, with Son having produced 12 goal involvements in 19 previous appearances against them.

Postecoglou has revealed that Wilson Odobert has suffered a setback in his return from injury, though Djed Spence – who scored in the third-round win at Coventry City – is in contention to return after a groin issue.

Tottenham predicted lineup

Tottenham predicted XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Werner, Johnson, Richarlison.

When is Spurs vs Manchester City?

Tottenham take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday 30th October, 2024. Kick-off in North London is 20:15 GMT.

What TV channel is Spurs vs Manchester City?

Each of tonight’s Carabao Cup games will be on Sky Sports for a UK audience. Tottenham vs Manchester City is available on Sky Sports Main Event.

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Tottenham vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news

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Tottenham entertain Manchester City in North London tonight in a game that has all the ingredients to be an intriguing Carabao Cup fourth-round tie.

Spurs staged a late comeback to defeat Coventry City in the last round whilst Manchester City overcame Watford.

Wednesday’s meeting is a repeat of the 2021 final, where an Aymeric Laporte header was enough to see City lift the trophy for the fourth consecutive season under the Wembley arch.

Ange Postecoglou revealed that Wilson Odobert had suffered a serious setback in his recovery from injury. The Frenchman made a five-minute cameo against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last weekend but then failed to make the squad for their trip to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Djed Spence is poised to make only his second start of the season after the full-back shook off a recent injury, but captain Heung-min Son is not likely to be risked.

Pep Guardiola has stated that his team will be heavily rotated as he deals with a reduced squad during this congested schedule. Six first-team players are currently sidelined, including Kevin de Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

Tottenham vs Manchester City – Match preview and team news

Form

Tottenham: WLWWL

It was another troubling away trip for the Lilywhites at the weekend, as Crystal Palace recorded their first league win of the campaign with a 1-0 triumph at Selhurst Park.

Spurs did not pose an offensive threat in South London and they will consider themselves slightly fortunate that Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first-half strike was the only time their goal was breached.

The North London club’s struggles away from home aren’t getting any better and they have only won once as the visitors in the Premier League season, albeit an accomplished 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They will be hoping it is a case of home comforts tonight as they attempt to knock out a Manchester City side who have only scored three times in seven visits to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Manchester City: WWWWW

Manchester City are in good form with five consecutive wins and remain unbeaten this season in all competitions.

It was an underwhelming display at the weekend, but Pep Guardiola’s side had enough to beat struggling Southampton 1-0 in Manchester.

Erling Haaland recorded his 14th goal of the campaign to take the Citizens to the summit of the Premier League table.

However, it was a below-par display from City against the Saints and Guardiola is expected to freshen up his depleted squad this evening.

Last Meeting: Tottenham 0-2 Manchester City, Premier League, 14th May 2024.

Manchester City put their Premier League title hopes in their own hands after beating Tottenham in their penultimate match of last season.

Spurs fans found themselves in an unusual predicament, knowing a win for their beloved team would have done fierce rivals Arsenal a massive favour in their bid for a first Premier League title in two decades.

The conflicting opinions among the fanbase created an unusual atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and there was a mixture of emotions when Erling Haaland put City in front shortly after half-time.

Heung-min Son spurned a glorious opportunity to level matters late on but his effort was tame and was easily saved by Stefan Ortega.

Haaland dispatched his second from the penalty spot in stoppage time to give Guardiola’s team control of their own destiny. Five days later, the blue half of Manchester lifted the Premier League title at the Etihad.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Richarlison, Werner.

Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Braithwaite, Ake; O’Reilly; Savio, McAtee, Gundogan, Nunes; Foden.

Who is the referee?

Rob Jones will be the match official. He will be assisted by Neil Davies and Simon Long while David Coote will be the fourth official. VAR will not be in operation.

What channel is Tottenham vs Manchester City on?

Tottenham vs Manchester City will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK, Sky Sports Ultra and Sky Sports+.

What time is kick off?

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be at 20:15 GMT on Wednesday 30th October 2024.

Odds

Tottenham – 3/2

Draw – 27/10

Manchester City – 13/8

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Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham – Spurs player ratings

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Tottenham were dealt their fourth defeat of the Premier League season by a Crystal Palace team that out-fought the Lilywhites.

A fractured and cagey first half saw the game frequently pause due to injuries and that prevented proceedings from finding a flow.

This suited Palace more than their opponents as they disrupted Spurs from finding any rhythm. The Eagles would reap the rewards for a positive first half as Jean-Phillipe Mateta crashed in the opener after indecisive defending had seen the ball land at the Frenchman’s feet.

Tempers flared after the interval as Spurs grew frustrated by Palace’s solidity and wily gamesmanship and the Eagles held on for their first Premier League victory of the season. It was a performance that lacked grit and determination from a Spurs side who are struggling for consistency, here’s how the individuals got on.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham – Spurs Player Ratings

Guglielmo Vicario – 6

The Italian looked shaky in possession and found it hard to deal with the incessant press of the Palace front three.

He could not do anything about the goal as the strike flew past him before he had time to react. However, Vicario kept his side in the contest with a string of saves to deny the likes of Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr.

Pedro Porro – 5

Porro had a difficult afternoon in South London as he looked vulnerable defensively and could not contribute offensively to help his team find a way back into the game.

The former Sporting Lisbon man was not alert enough for the decisive goal, failing to intercept Munoz’s cross to deny Eze the chance to tee up Mateta.

Cristian Romero – 5

Tottenham’s captain on the day could not rally his troops to conjure up a response following the first-half goal.

The World Cup winner played his part in losing possession for Mateta’s goal. Palace’s front three ran the Spurs backline ragged and Romero was often bypassed by Eze.

Micky van de Ven – 3

It was a woeful display from the 23-year-old who was consistently outmuscled by Mateta and outpaced by Sarr.

It was the Dutchman who would lose the ball leading up to the opening goal as Daniel Munoz closed down the angle and blocked Van de Ven’s attempted clearance.

In defence of Tottenham’s number 37, the pass across the penalty area by central defensive partner Romero was overhit, but he could have dealt with the situation better.

Van de Ven was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card in the second half after hauling down Ismaila Sarr who was racing through, but referee Darren Bond adjudged that the Palace attacker was not on course to have a goal-scoring opportunity.

Destiny Udogie – 5

Udogie looked much more like his old self in South London but still could not help unlock the Palace defence.

In a match that was rife with full-blooded challenges, Udogie did well not to pick up a booking.

Yves Bissouma – 5

The Malian had the responsibility of being the midfield metronome and dictating the play but was often overwhelmed by the opposition.

After the interval, Bissouma improved, but the midfield pairing of Adam Wharton and Will Hughes had tenacity in abundance to prevent Spurs from retaining possession.

James Maddison – 4

It was another disappointing display from Spurs’ primary creative force as Palace restrained the Englishman from having any influence on the game.

The midfielder was substituted to a chorus of jeers from the home faithful on the hour and Maddison looked bitterly disheartened.

Dejan Kulusevski – 3

The Swede cut a frustrated figure in the first half as many of his passes failed to find their intended target. He was taken off on the hour mark alongside Maddison, which was a sensible decision by Postecoglou, as Kulusevski looked in serious danger of receiving a second yellow card.

Brennan Johnson – 4

The Welshman was anonymous in the early stages as Ange Postecoglou’s side struggled to retain possession.

He came the closest to netting the equaliser in the first half as his improvised effort came off the post, but he did not look like he knew too much about it. Johnson could not fashion any clear-cut chances for his teammates in the second period.

Dominic Solanke – 6

Solanke worked tirelessly against the resolute back three of Palace but ultimately looked isolated in what was an exasperating afternoon.

Due to Spurs’ inability to keep hold of the ball, the Englishman was forced to drop back deeper, but a by-product of that is the Lilywhites missed his presence in the box.

Mikey Moore – 3

Physically the teenager looked out of his depth as he was hounded by opposing full-back, Daniel Munoz with the Colombian sensing vulnerability in the 17-year-old.

On the ball, Moore played several incisive passes to overlapping full-back Udogie, but after playing his first 90 minutes of senior football on Thursday, his race was run by the time he was taken off as part of Postecoglou’s triple alteration.

Substitutes

Pape Matar Sarr – 6

The Senegalese instilled some calm into a side that was shell-shocked by the intensity of their opponent.

Sarr will find hard done by that he has not been chosen to start recent matches, considering the impact he has had when he has been introduced into the fold.

Richarlison – 5

Richarlison was introduced to offer Solanke some help against the likes of Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah and Maxcence Lacroix, who were dominating Spurs’ record signing.

As always, Richarlison caused issues but still looks short of match sharpness following a prolonged spell out injured.

Timo Werner – 6

The German has been short of confidence recently but his display at Selhurst Park will encourage Postecoglou.

He whipped in a plethora of searching crosses into dangerous areas, but neither Dominic Solanke nor Richarlison could connect.

Rodrigo Bentancur – N/A

The midfielder came on in the dying embers but his lack of urgency did not help Spurs in their pursuit of parity.

Read – Postecoglou says Spurs fans right to be unhappy with Palace performance

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