Spurs Beat Ten-Man Palace as Van Hecke Heads Home Late Winner
Tottenham got a huge early break when Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off after 12 minutes for a reckless tackle on Micky van de Ven. Twelve minutes later, Archie Gray used the extra man to good effect, climbing highest to head in a corner for his first Spurs goal. Roberto De Zerbi’s side created little else before the break but led deservedly at half-time.
The second half was short on excitement, with Tottenham struggling to turn their dominance into more chances. They finally made sure of the points late on, when Jan Paul van Hecke headed in the rebound after Dean Henderson made a fine first save.
At the back, Van Hecke earned the top grade for a commanding display capped by the winner, and he looked composed on the ball too, showing why Spurs were so keen to sign him from Brighton. Van de Ven also looked solid and influential, his pace and ball-carrying a reminder that last season’s struggles are behind him. Antonin Kinsky had almost nothing to do in goal, while Andy Robertson offered a threat with dangerous deliveries and stayed comfortable defensively. Gray impressed at right-back with his header, but his half-time substitution could be a worry if it was injury-related.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali is growing into a leader, and his energy is making the reported £100 million fee look more reasonable. Mateus Fernandes was even better, winning the ball back, breaking up Palace moves and making a strong case to be a regular starter in De Zerbi’s new system.
Further forward, the evening was less happy. Mohammed Kudus was a constant menace, using his pace and dribbling to trouble Tyrick Mitchell and roaming across the front line. But Omar Marmoush was poor, contributing little in the final third and doing nothing with the space on offer, which will only fuel doubts over his signing. Mathys Tel could not build on his Chelsea moment, looking hesitant on the wing with a poor final ball, and he may be dropped next week.
Dominic Solanke had the worst night of all, getting little service and doing too little with his own movement as Tottenham’s only natural striker. His struggles are becoming a concern, and he may have to fight for his place once more attacking options return.
Off the bench, Pedro Porro brought fresh energy and forward runs down the right after replacing Gray at the break. Conor Gallagher came on for Solanke and worked hard but made little impact. Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski played too briefly to be rated.
Young Luca Williams-Barnett made the best of his few minutes, showing confidence and dribbling skill to set up a chance that Kudus could not finish, so he missed out on an assist. It was still an encouraging cameo.
