Teenage Calm Ends Spurs Chaos as Pressure Lifts on Frank
Spurs Finally Stop the Slide
Archie Gray’s first goal in a Tottenham shirt proved decisive as Spurs ground out a 1-0 win away at Crystal Palace, easing the growing pressure on head coach Thomas Frank and bringing a turbulent 2025 to a steadier close.
After five defeats in eight league matches had dragged Spurs down to 14th on Christmas Day, victory was essential. Gray’s close-range header just before half-time delivered exactly that, lifting Tottenham to 11th and, crucially, within four points of fifth place.
Palace Threaten but Lack the Finish
Crystal Palace started brightly and looked the more likely side to score during an open first half. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Will Hughes and Justin Devenny all tested Spurs’ resolve, while Guglielmo Vicario was called into action early.
Despite Palace controlling large spells, their dominance lacked a cutting edge. Spurs survived the pressure and waited patiently for their moment.
Gray Grabs His Moment
That moment arrived in the 42nd minute. After Randal Kolo Muani’s effort forced a corner, Pedro Porro’s delivery was kept alive in the box before Richarlison flicked the ball on for Gray to nod home from close range.
It was a composed finish from the teenager and a significant milestone in his Tottenham career.
VAR Frustrates Spurs, Palace Fall Short
The second half followed a familiar pattern. Palace pushed forward, creating chances through Eddie Nketiah and Marc Guéhi, while Spurs twice thought they had sealed the game through Richarlison — only for VAR to intervene on both occasions.
Despite late pressure, Tottenham defended resolutely, with Vicario and his back line standing firm to secure a much-needed clean sheet.
Relief for Frank, Belief for Spurs
The final whistle brought relief more than celebration for Tottenham, but the significance of the result should not be understated. After weeks of scrutiny, Frank heads back to Brentford with breathing space restored and momentum cautiously regained.
For Palace, the defeat underlined the need for January reinforcements as fatigue and inefficiency in front of goal continue to cost them.
