Harry Kane was on target but a mistake from Hugo Lloris cost Tottenham Hotspur as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Tottenham were off to a lively start forcing Vicente Guaita into action early in the game through Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Kane. The Eagles’ custodian was finally beaten by Kane’s low effort from outside the box halfway through the first half as Spurs took the lead. Eberechi Eze came close to equalising but his curling strike struck the post.

Questionably, Tottenham sat back and invited pressure instead of going for the kill in the second half, handing the hosts the initiative. Palace piled on the pressure, which finally paid off in the 81st minute as Jeffrey Schlupp poked home from close range after a spill from captain Hugo Lloris.

The goal seemed to spark Jose Mourinho’s men back into life as they pressed in search of a winner. But two brilliant saves from Guaita to deny Kane’s header and Eric Dier’s free-kick ensured that spoils were shared on the day. The outcome will certainly be disappointing for Mourinho & co. and here’s how we rated the performances of the Spurs stars on Sunday.

Hugo Lloris: 5/10

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Made a decent stop to deny Wilfried Zaha in the first half. But was slow to react to Eberechi Eze’s free-kick in the second and ended up spilling the ball for Schlupp to hit home the equalising goal.

Serge Aurier: 5/10

Sent in a decent cross leading to a shot from Ndombele in the first period. Was made to work hard defensively by the dangerous duo of Eze and Zaha, which cut into his attacking contributions. Lost possession a whopping 24 times on the afternoon and gave away a couple of fouls as well.

Toby Alderweireld: 7.5/10

A rock at the back for Tottenham, the Belgian centre-back hardly allowed anything to get past him on the afternoon. Strong in the challenge, he made a game-high five tackles, while also chipping in with an important interception and a clearance. Used the ball well, with one long ball to set Son Heung-min off standing out.

Eric Dier: 6.5/10

Allowed Christian Benteke to get the better of him in a couple of aerial duels, but the Crystal Palace man couldn’t test the goalkeeper. Otherwise solid at the back, as he continues to grow in the role with each passing game. Should have made it 2-0 in the second half but sent his header wide, before his brilliant free-kick late in the game was kept out by a top-notch save from Guaita.

Sergio Reguilon: 6/10

Had a shot deflected just over the bar early in the game. Looked positive and dangerous each time he got forward but left spaces in behind that Palace tried to exploit, more so in the second half when he found it a bit tough to cope with the pressure. Taken off late in the game.

Moussa Sissoko: 6.5/10

Conceded free-kick in a dangerous position for a foul on Schlupp and was booked. Kept his discipline and put in another hard-working performance, completing four tackles, one clearance and one interception. Used the ball well, too, misplacing just three of his passes on the afternoon and completed two dribbles as well.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 7/10

Back after a rest in midweek against Royal Antwerp, the Dane did what he does best, as he sat in the middle and broke up attacks. Won three tackles and two aerial duels on the day, while making one key interception. Saw plenty of the ball and used it well to keep things moving smoothly.

Steven Bergwijn: 5/10

Worked hard off the ball, tracked back effectively, especially in the second half when Palace upped the ante. However, made little to no contributions in the attack. While the defensive efforts are worth praising, the Dutchman is in the side for his abilities in the final third but he failed to complete a single dribble, play a single key pass or even take a shot at goal.

Tanguy Ndombele: 6.5/10

Would have made it 1-0 if not for Guaita’s fine save. Found Son in the lead-up to the opener with a good pass and drew another save from the Palace goalkeeper soon after. Put in the hard yards when not in possession and completed two interceptions. The Frenchman’s influence, however, faded with time and was eventually replaced.

Son Heung-min: 6/10

Made a lively start to the game and got the assist for Kane’s opening goal albeit with a simple squared pass, with the pair now having combined for 12 Premier League goals this season. Failed to influence the proceedings after the break though, with Tottenham sitting deep and inviting pressure onto themselves.

Harry Kane: 7/10

Had forced Guaita into a save with a header before beating him with a low, spinning effort to make it 1-0. Not involved much in the early parts of the second half as Tottenham chose to sit back and defend. Came close to clinching the win late in the game with a good headed effort but found Guaita in his way.

Substitutes

Giovani Lo Celso: 6/10

Replaced Ndombele for the final twenty minutes or so. Delivered a good free-kick from which Dier should have scored.

Ben Davies: N/A

Replaced Reguilon and almost scored, with his attempted cross from deep hitting the crossbar.

Dele Alli: N/A

Came on for Bergwijn after the second goal. Good intervention to thwart a Palace counter.

Comments 1

  1. Mathi JRN says:

    Manager has still a lot of mental strength development to work on.Made changes very late & should kicked out Bergwin after 1st half why wait until team is tired.Rather have under23squad strikers coming in then gaving Dele or Bergwin up forward because we lack speed up front.

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