Spurs climb to eighth as Palace red card helps keep Manchester United above relegation zone

Tottenham Hotspur took full advantage of Crystal Palace being reduced to 10 men to secure a 2-0 victory in the Premier League on Saturday and record their third consecutive win.

The result lifted Spurs to eighth place on 12 points and also ensured Manchester United remained one position above the relegation places. United are level on points with Crystal Palace after losing 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the same round of fixtures.

Palace began cautiously, sitting deep and attempting to frustrate the hosts, while Tottenham looked to establish control from the opening stages.

The visitors almost made a breakthrough in the 10th minute when Daichi Kamada tested Antonin Kinsky, but the Tottenham goalkeeper kept out his effort.

Two minutes later, Crystal Palace’s task became considerably harder. Jean-Philippe Mateta was initially shown a yellow card for a forceful challenge on Micky van de Ven, but the referee reviewed the incident on the advice of the video assistant referee and changed the decision to a red card. Palace were therefore forced to play with 10 men from the 13th minute.

Archie Gray was booked in the 15th minute, but Tottenham soon made their numerical advantage count. In the 25th minute, Gray was left unmarked at the far post and headed a corner into the net to give the home side the lead.

Tottenham continued to apply pressure after the interval, although Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson prevented the deficit from increasing. He made an important save from a powerful Dominic Solanke strike in the 51st minute before denying Robertson in the 71st.

Spurs finally doubled their advantage two minutes later. Jan Paul van Hecke rose to meet a cross from the left by Matias Fernandez and headed beyond Henderson.

Dejan Kulusevski replaced the Egyptian Omar Marmoush in the 77th minute, with Marmoush having had little influence on the game.

Henderson was called upon again in the 81st minute, producing another strong save to keep out Sandro Tonali’s effort. Palace missed a late opportunity to reduce the arrears when Mohammed Kudus sent Luca Williams-Barnett’s cross over the bar from close range in the 90th minute.

Williams-Barnett made his first Premier League appearance in the closing stages, coming on for Mathys Tel in the 88th minute.

Tottenham held on to claim another three points, while Crystal Palace remain on seven points in 18th place, third from bottom.