Archie Gray scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur to secure a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace, lifting some of the pressure on manager Thomas Frank. The win came after a difficult run that had left the club 14th in the Premier League on Christmas Day, following five defeats in eight matches.
Gray's 42nd-minute header settled a contest in which Palace had enjoyed the better of the early chances. Kevin Danso, replacing the suspended Cristian Romero, was booked inside five minutes, but Tottenham survived the early pressure and thought they had taken the lead through Richarlison in the 17th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside against Lucas Bergvall.
Palace, who have now lost three consecutive league games, created several opportunities. Jean-Philippe Mateta dragged a shot wide and headed over, while Justin Devenny and Adam Wharton tested Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. But against the run of play, Spurs took the lead when Randal Kolo Muani's blocked shot led to a corner; Pedro Porro's delivery was kept alive by Kolo Muani, and Richarlison flicked on for Gray to head home from close range.
The second half saw Tottenham defend resolutely despite Palace's efforts. Devenny fired over after a cross from Yeremy Pino, and Jefferson Lerma set up Maxence Lacroix, who headed wide. Richarlison had another goal disallowed by VAR for offside, and Palace captain Marc Guehi headed over as the hosts pushed for an equaliser. Substitute Wilson Odobert hit the inside of the post, and Dean Henderson saved from Rodrigo Bentancur as Spurs held on.
The result moves Tottenham up to 11th, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, before Frank's return to former club Brentford on Wednesday. Palace manager Oliver Glasner will look to January reinforcements after another defeat highlighted his team's fatigue.
