Archie Gray's maiden goal for Tottenham Hotspur proved decisive on Sunday, securing a vital 1-0 Premier League victory away at Crystal Palace. The result provided significant relief for under-pressure Spurs boss Thomas Frank and lifted the North London club to 11th in the table.
Frank's Pressure Valve Released at Selhurst Park
The win at Selhurst Park on Sunday 28 December 2025 came at a critical juncture for Thomas Frank. A run of five defeats in eight matches had left Tottenham languishing in 14th place on Christmas Day, with sections of the fanbase growing restless. While the club's hierarchy had not indicated Frank's position was in immediate jeopardy, the need for a return to winning ways was palpable.
Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace, meanwhile, extended their own worrying run of form, suffering a third consecutive league defeat which underscored their need for reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window.
Gray Breaks the Deadlock Against the Run of Play
The first half was largely controlled by the home side, who created the better openings. Jean-Philippe Mateta spurned a couple of chances, while efforts from Justin Devenny and Adam Wharton were comfortably gathered by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Against the flow of the game, however, Tottenham struck just before half-time. In the 42nd minute, a corner from Pedro Porro was flicked on by Randal Kolo Muani and then Richarlison, presenting Archie Gray with a simple close-range header. The goal, on the youngster's 60th appearance for the club, was his first in a Spurs shirt and ultimately decided the contest.
Palace Frustration as Spurs Hold Firm
The second half saw Palace push relentlessly for an equaliser. Substitute Eddie Nketiah was introduced, and defender Maxence Lacroix missed a golden opportunity, heading wide from Jefferson Lerma's cross with 20 minutes remaining.
Tottenham thought they had doubled their lead when Richarlison finished superbly from a Mohammed Kudus cross, but the effort was correctly ruled out for a marginal offside by VAR. Palace captain Marc Guehi also headed over late on, but a resolute Spurs defence, marshalled by stand-in captain Micky van de Ven, held firm to secure the three points.
The result moves Tottenham up to 11th in the Premier League, now just four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Attention quickly turns to Frank's emotional return to his former club, Brentford, on Wednesday. For Palace, the defeat highlights a squad in need of refreshment as the winter window approaches.
