Tottenham survived a late scare and made it ten games unbeaten in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. An own goal from Joel Ward and another goal from Son Heung-min was enough to keep this remarkable start to the season going for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Here are five things we learned from the game…
Tottenham are passing every test so far
Embed from Getty ImagesSelhurst Park is not the easiest place to go to, especially under the lights. Tottenham’s first half performance lacked a clinical edge, with Yves Bissouma and James Maddison wasting chances for the visitors. Crystal Palace had the better first 45, testing Guglielmo Vicario a couple of times in the Tottenham goal.
But Spurs turned it on in the second half and a fizzing ball into the box from James Maddison was diverted into his own net by Ward. A goal Spurs desperately needed after an under par display up to that point. From then on, Spurs upped their tempo and now enter double figures for games unbeaten in the Premier League. The good times keep on rolling for the Tottenham fans with their club sitting five points clear at the top of the league.
Son of a gun, he has scored again!
Embed from Getty ImagesSon Heung-Min finished off a delightful Spurs move to double the visitors’ advantage with his eighth goal in ten games. Son has been a revelation playing in the striking position after an under-par season in 22/23. His pressing and movement off the ball is as impressive as his precision and finishing on the ball and is one of the main reasons as to why Spurs are thriving this season.
All teams challenging for a league title need an out and out goalscorer and it seems as if Son is filling the void that Harry Kane left. Spurs fans are used to seeing the South Korean cut in from the left, but Postecoglou unleashing him down the middle has so far looked like a masterstroke!
Hey Micky, you’re so fine!
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was another outstanding performance from Micky van de Ven who has played every minute of action for Spurs in the Premier League so far. The Dutch centre-half has taken to this Spurs team like a duck to water and is forming a formidable partnership at the back with Cristian Romero.
van de Ven notched up a near perfect score of 99% pass accuracy during the game, completing 95 of his 96 passes through the 90 minutes. He also won both his tackles and made four clearances. The Spurs fans are loving their new signing, who also possesses unbelievable acceleration for a centre-back. It looks like Spurs have found a gem in van de Ven.
Spurs boosted with return of Bentancur
Embed from Getty ImagesRodrigo Bentancur was being serenaded by the Spurs travelling faithful at the end of the game, as the Uruguayan returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. His presence back in the squad adds an extra midfield option for Postecoglou, and further strengthens the depth of this Tottenham team.
It may take him a while to get back up to scratch, but with Spurs having a regular one game a week schedule this season, it gives Bentancur plenty of time to get to grips with the new style of play that has impressed fans so much this season. Another positive for a feel good Spurs camp.
Five points clear and the fans are dreaming
Embed from Getty ImagesSpurs fans are excited about watching their team play, there is a bubble of excitement around the whole club at the moment. Spurs move onto 26 points, five points above Manchester City and Arsenal who still have to play this weekend. It may be early days, but week by week Spurs fans have more reasons to be cheerful.
These next few games will be a great test of character for Tottenham as they face Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle in their next six fixtures. These are some hurdles Spurs struggled to get over last season, but if they can keep this run going the sky is the limit.
