Spurs won the day’s second London derby by a single goal, with Son Heung-min bagging his third in two games to give them a hard fought victory over Crystal Palace at home.
The winner came in the 68th minute of an encounter where there were chances at both ends but stout defending had largely succeeded in blocking out the attacking threat of both sides.
Palace can count themselves a little unlucky over the piece, as Cabaye had one hit the post and Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris had to make a couple of inspired saves, one in particular from Bakary Sako, but the home team were not to be outdone.
Spurs actually started the match with a side whose average age is 24 … easily the youngest in the league on the day.
That showed, despite the victory, with the side looking, at times, as if they need a little experience in their ranks in order to reach their potential.
This looks most noticeable with Harry Kane, whose sensational form last season hasn’t, thus far, been evident in the early games. He’s yet to score in the league during this campaign and although it’s only begun there will be slight concern inside the club.
Indeed, he’s only scored twice in his last fourteen EPL outings … and that’s a record he has to start improving soon.
Son Heung-min, who was signed from Leverkusen, looks a different prospect.
He’s not much older than the rest of the team – 23 in fact – but he was clinical when the moment came, and with his two midweek goals and then a goal here he’ll be buzzing with confidence.
How Palace wish they had a problem like Harry Kane, though.
They created some good chances here, but they started the match without a recognised striker – quite amazing when you consider it – although they later put on Frazier Campbell, to give them some life upfront.
Spurs are now mid-table, with Palace having missed a chance to go into one of the top slots, and Mauricio Pochettino praised his side at full time, saying it was the best performance of the season so far. He heaped praise on the goal-scorer and predicted good things to come from Kane.
On Twitter, Gary Linekar had his own ideas about handing down praise.
He reserved his for the Spurs 19 year old midfielder Dele Alli, predicting that he’ll soon be in the national coach’s thoughts for the European Championships in France.
Man of the Match:
It was a good end to a good week for Son Heung-min.