Tottenham Hotspur eased some of the pressure on Thomas Frank with a narrow 1–0 win over Crystal Palace, but many feel the manager still made a questionable selection call.
Archie Gray netted the decisive goal just before half-time, heading home in the 42nd minute to claim his first senior strike and give Spurs the lead. The contest remained finely balanced after that, with chances at both ends, while Richarlison saw two goals chalked off for offside.
The victory marked Spurs’ first win since their December 6 triumph over Brentford, allowing Frank to close out the year on a positive note. However, doubts linger over some of his decisions — particularly the continued use of a summer signing in an unfamiliar wide role.
Palace 0–1 Spurs: Kolo Muani Experiment Falters
Once again, Frank deployed Randal Kolo Muani on the left wing, and the French forward struggled to make an impact. At Selhurst Park, he often looked uncomfortable, failed to beat his marker, and didn’t complete any of his four attempted dribbles.
Although Kolo Muani has featured out wide earlier in his career, the 27-year-old appeared ill-suited to the role. He finished the match with just 26 touches — fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario — and offered little threat.
Wilson Odobert replaced him in the 63rd minute and immediately brought more natural width and energy, making it puzzling that Frank continues to persist with Kolo Muani in that position. The display may serve as a warning sign, particularly with last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson left on the bench and reportedly available for transfer.
Spurs now prepare to face Brentford on January 1, marking Frank’s first return to the Gtech Community Stadium since leaving the Bees. If Tottenham are to build momentum, it seems clear from this performance that tough decisions are needed — potentially dropping Kolo Muani in favour of Odobert or Johnson.
Fans Voice Frustration
Despite celebrating a return to winning ways, Spurs supporters were far from impressed with Kolo Muani’s showing. Many called for his substitution as early as half-time, with one fan posting:
“My God, Kolo Muani has been awful. Get Mathys Tel on in the second half.
Another supporter delivered a blunt assessment:
“Kolo Muani is so, so bad.”
Others criticised the team as a whole but singled out the Frenchman’s struggles on the ball:
“We are not a football team right now. Kolo Muani can’t control a football. Gray doesn’t show for the ball enough. Constant bad decisions — but we’re winning, so whatever.”
More reactions followed:
“Kolo Muani allergic to possession?”
“Kolo Muani shocking. Take him off or change his position.”
“Who signed off on the Kolo Muani signing?”
One fan even suggested his loan spell should end as soon as possible:
“I’m okay with Kolo Muani never playing a minute for us again.”
Another added:
“I’ve never seen Kolo Muani do a single noteworthy thing in his Spurs career.”
While criticism mounted, Odobert’s lively cameo offered hope. His pace caused Palace real problems and could earn him a starting spot. A forward line featuring Odobert, Richarlison, and Johnson may be the direction Spurs take as they head into the new year.
