Teenager Archie Gray marked a major career milestone as his first senior goal handed Tottenham a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, ending Spurs’ run of back-to-back league defeats.
The result denied Palace the chance to climb into sixth place and underlined their profligacy in front of goal, as they failed to convert several promising openings on a frustrating evening.
Gray capitalises as Spurs strike before the break
The decisive moment arrived three minutes before half-time when Palace failed to clear a corner delivered by Pedro Porro.
Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison both won aerial challenges at the back post, allowing Gray to pounce from close range and punish the hosts’ defensive lapse.
Tottenham could have made the contest more comfortable, with Wilson Odobert striking the post and Richarlison seeing two goals ruled out for offside following VAR reviews.
The Brazilian was first penalised after Lucas Bergvall strayed offside in the build-up, before mistiming his run to meet a Mohammed Kudus cross late on.
Palace dominance without reward
Despite falling behind, Palace were the more threatening side in the first half. Jean-Philippe Mateta caused persistent problems with his physical presence, narrowly firing wide and heading over from close range with his best opportunities.
The pressure continued after the interval as Justin Devenny blazed over inside the penalty area and Maxence Lacroix headed just wide.
However, Palace failed to register a single shot on target in the second half, a glaring evidence of their lack of cutting edge.
The defeat leaves Palace ninth in the table, one point ahead of Tottenham, who climb to 11th and close the year with a timely boost.