0 Crystal Palace 1 Tottenham
by Maamun Hajmahmoud at Selhurst Park
JUST as their chances of winning the Premier League looked to have slipped away, Christian Eriksen’s crucial strike provided Tottenham with a vital lifeline to overcome a resilient Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.
After Palace recorded successive away victories against Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and Anfield respectively, not to mention a recent home-drubbing of Arsenal, there was an air of optimism in south London as fans were hopeful their side could muster a result which would help solidify their Premier League status.
This week’s north London opponents matched the hosts in terms of their defensive stability as they dealt with Christian Benteke well.
Despite bright passages of play from in-form duo Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend, Spurs coped, in turn reducing the quality and quantity of service to Palace’s top-scorer.
However, merely coping with the attacking trio of Palace was never going to be enough and in the second half a greater impetus was required.
Premier League right back of the year Kyle Walker produced a wonderful cross which Dele Alli strangely turned wide from close-range.
As it began to look like one of those nights for the visitors, the breakthrough came.
Eriksen’s strike from 30 yards dipped into Wayne Hennessey’s right-hand corner, leaving the Welshman with no chance, subsequently sending the Spurs fans into hysteria.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his side’s second-half display, particularly following Saturday’s FA Cup loss to Chelsea.
“I think it was important for us, in a very tough game, against a team in very good form,” he said.
“They showed great character and personality after a very disappointing weekend, I’m very pleased with my players for their effort.”
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário