Crystal Palace vs Tottenham a few quick thoughts
Dan Tracey
January 24, 2016
1,929 Views
- Where else do you start but Dele Alli – a simply phenomenal strike, not many goals get you out your seat and jumping round the front room like a madman but that goal was something else.
- A pulsating London Derby where at times it could have gone either way but Spurs showed a resilience that in seasons prior would have seen Palace go on and win the game
- We dominated the first half hour but then against the run of play Jan Vertonghen ends up putting the ball past Hugo Lloris, it broke Palace’s goal drought but it’s hard to say they deserved the lead
- Going in 1-0 down was disappointing but Palace had Wayne Hennessey to thank for a decent save from Danny Rose’s volley to keep the home side in front at the break
- The turning point of the game was Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to bring on Nacer Chadli for Eric Dier, this allowed Dele Alli to slot into a deeper role alongside Mousa Dembele and one where I think suits him better
- Christian Eriksen had a fantastic chance which just didn’t dip in time and you felt it was just a matter of time before Spurs were level
- Then through Harry Kane they duly were, his 12th goal in 14 Premier League games restored parity for Spurs
- But then game had a tremendous ebb and flow with both teams going for a winner
- Hugo Lloris was called into action with two great saves from Wilfired Zaha and Papa Souare
- Then it was even more heart in mouth action as Palace hit the woodwork twice in the space of about 5 seconds, right then I think I would have settled for a draw albeit frustratingly
- Jan Vertonghen’s injury is a concern, the elbow from Conor Wickham went unnoticed but the match officials but don’t be too surprised if he is hit with a 3 game ban due to video evidence
- Then Alli Mania, a stupendous goal for a 19 year old. I must have watched that goal 50 times already and it gets sweeter with every strike
- Wave after wave of Tottenham pressure was finally rewarded, a well crafted move with Kane hitting to the back post for Eriksen to tee up Alli. Sublime Football and you could see the sheer delight from Players, Manager and Fans alike
- Then Alli nearly pulls a second out of the bag in injury time, with a turn on the edge of the box but his chipped effort comes back off the bar
- At this point you felt Palace could still somehow get something out of this as they were throwing everything at Spurs
- But then Nacer Chadli settled the game with a stunning effort of his own that on any other day would have earned the plaudits. It secured the 3 points but the headlines rightly go to Alli.
- I like the steeliness that Alli showed yesterday, 19 and he has so much grit and determination
- Dembele was absolutely running rings round Cabaye yesterday
- The camaraderie of the squad was evident at the end when Alli got in a row and Harry Kane was ready to step in and back him up. It cost Kane a yellow card but it shows that everyone is looking out for each other
- Here’s hoping the Vertonghen injury isn’t too bad and he returns for the trip to Norwich in 10 days time
- The thing about this Spurs side is that it’s a real like able outfit, all the bad eggs have gone from the squad and it’s a side that is a real pleasure to watch. Young, hungry, tenacious, Mauricio Pochettino is really crafting something special
- The fringe players are also stepping up when it’s needed which is just what we need right now
- 5 points clear of Manchester United after their defeat yesterday had we beat Leciester last week we would have been top this Morning. These are the fine and yet frustrating margins we are dealing with
- Does that win yesterday really show are Top 4 credentials, you don’t want to get too ahead of yourselves but there’s definitely a buzz around the club this morning. Let’s hope the momentum continues. COYS!
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