Spurs revival continues with victory over 10-man Crystal Palace

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur increased the pressure on Crystal Palace coach Pierre Sage as they took advantage of Jean-Philippe Mateta's early red card to secure a third successive Premier League victory.

Palace are now in the bottom three with only two league wins in nine games under Frenchman Sage, whose cause was not helped when striker Mateta was sent off after only 13 minutes for an ugly lunge at Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.

Mateta was dismissed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review by Michael Oliver, and the Eagles' task made even harder when Archie Gray took advantage of poor marking from Mohammed Kudus' corner to head home after 25 minutes.

Palace showed plenty of spirit but the numerical advantage took its toll as Spurs dominated, although it took a crucial block from Dominic Solanke to deny Dwight McNeil when he had a big opportunity after the break.

Spurs sealed the win after 73 minutes when defender Jan Paul van Hecke showed swift reactions to head in from a prone position in the six-yard area after Palace keeper Dean Henderson had turned his first effort on to the bar.

It meant Roberto de Zerbi and Spurs have now moved into the top half of the table as confidence and self-belief returns after times of struggle.

Spurs analysis: De Zerbi revival gathers momentum

Roberto De Zerbi - post-match interview - Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

De Zerbi's Tottenham transformation continued with a third win in a row to move his side into the top half of the Premier League table.

It was vital Spurs built on that crucial first win of the season at home to Coventry City, then an outstanding performance and result to record a rare victory at Chelsea.

Spurs were helped by Mateta's crude challenge on Van de Ven, which was only going to end one way once referee Oliver was sent to the screen.

Aside from the sending off, there are now clear signs that Spurs are achieving coherence and confidence under De Zerbi, while some of his big-name summer signings are now coming to the party.

Sandro Tonali may still represent eye-watering business at £100m, but there is no doubt the Italian has moved on to a new level in recent weeks after a slow start, providing a potent combination of running, physicality and creation.

And Mateus Fernandes, who also struggled initially, now looks full of confidence as Spurs finally show the self-belief that has been in such short supply in recent seasons.

In other words, things are now looking much brighter for Spurs and De Zerbi.

Palace analysis: How long can Sage last?

Pierre Sage - post-match interview - Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Palace head coach Sage is in deep trouble after the loss at Spurs left them rooted in the bottom three - but it was hard not to feel a measure of sympathy for the Frenchman who succeeded Oliver Glasner in the summer.

Sage would have been desperate for Palace to build on the relief of victory in the Carabao Cup win at Fulham, but a bright start was totally undermined by Jean-Mateta's wild tackle.

Palace were also guilty of poor marking - or no marking - at the Kudus corner that saw Gray score the opener for Spurs 12 minutes later.

Sage's side continued to show determination to stay in the fight, while Palace's travelling support actually chanted the manager's name in the second half, before they were eventually over-run, with keeper Dean Henderson making several fine late saves.

This was not the performance of players who have given up on their head coach, who had a hard act to follow after Glasner won the FA Cup and Uefa Conference League, but results dictate all and Palace's have been poor as they now sit in the relegation places.

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