Player Ratings: Richarlison shines as Spurs beat Crystal Palace

Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur edged past Crystal Palace with a 1-0 win in the Premier League, a result built on patience, structure and late decisiveness at Selhurst Park. While the scoreline suggests slim margins, the tactical flow revealed a contest Spurs largely controlled, even if their finishing briefly flirted with frustration.

Pedro Porro’s early cross, met by Richarlison from close range, should have been the springboard after 17 minutes. Even with the flag raised, the move emphasised Tottenham’s ability to isolate Palace’s wing backs and flood the box with late arrivals. A similar scene played out in the 75th minute when Mohammed Kudus curled an audacious pass into the area with the outside of his boot, Richarlison again converting, only for VAR to intervene.

Ultimately, Archie Gray’s 42nd minute strike, created and assisted by Richarlison, stood firm as the difference, sealing all three points for Tottenham. Palace battled, defended assertively in spells and carried threat through Tyrick Mitchell’s flank surges, but lacked punch in the decisive zones.

Photo: IMAGO

Crystal Palace Player Ratings

1. GK: Dean Henderson, 6
2. RWB: Nathaniel Clyne, 5
3. CB: Jefferson Lerma, 7
4. CB: Maxence Lacroix, 6
5. CB: Marc Guehi, 8
6. LWB: Tyrick Mitchell, 8
7. CM: Adam Wharton, 7
8. CM: Will Hughes, 7
9. RW: Yeremy Pino, 6
10. ST: Jean Philippe Mateta, 6
11. LW: Justin Devenny, 6
12. SUB: Edward Nketiah, 6
13. SUB: Christantus Uche, 6
14. SUB: Romain Esse, 6
15. Manager: Oliver Glasner, 6

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

1. GK: Guglielmo Vicario, 6
2. RB: Pedro Porro, 7
3. CB: Kevin Danso, 8
4. CB: Micky van de Ven, 8
5. LB: Djed Spence, 8
6. CM: Yves Bissouma, 8
7. CM: Rodrigo Bentancur, 7
8. CM: Lucas Bergvall, 6
9. RW: Mohammed Kudus, 6
10. ST: Richarlison, 8
11. LW: Randal Kolo Muani, 5
12. SUB: Wilson Odobert, 6
13. SUB: Radu Dragusin, 6
14. SUB: Brennan Johnson, 6
15. Manager: Thomas Frank, 7

Tactical Takeaways

Tottenham’s box occupation and flank rotations continually stressed Palace’s defensive line, particularly in the channels between centre back and wing back. Palace’s best moments came from structured ball progression into wide areas, Lerma and Guehi stepping out cleanly in possession, Mitchell providing width and Hughes adding competitive ballast in midfield.

For Spurs, the standout performers were their full backs and centre backs, who grew into the match rhythm, absorbed Palace pressure after the break and ensured Mateta’s early influence waned sharply in the second half.

Final Thoughts on Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Player Ratings

A narrow 1-0 can hide the narrative, but Tottenham Hotspur’s controlled build up, defensive resolve and repeated creation of high quality chances ensured the result felt earned. Crystal Palace, industrious and occasionally inspired, will feel the sting of what might have been.