Crystal Palace clinched a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, thanks to a decisive goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. This much-needed win marked Palace’s first triumph of the season and moved them out of the relegation zone, easing some pressure on manager Oliver Glasner. With six points, Palace climbed to 17th place, sitting two points clear of the drop zone, while Tottenham held onto the eighth spot with 13 points.
Palace dominated the opening exchanges, and their intense pressing paid off with the game’s only goal. In a costly mistake, Spurs tried to play out from the back, only for Micky van de Ven to lose the ball under pressure from Daniel Munoz. Munoz quickly delivered a cross into the box, which Eberechi Eze expertly flicked to an unmarked Mateta, who struck home. Mateta expressed his relief after the match, emphasizing the importance of their first win and crediting Eze for his assist.
Spurs, hindered by the absence of injured captain Son Heung-min and the inexperience of 17-year-old Mikey Moore, who made his Premier League debut, struggled to build momentum in attack. Palace nearly doubled their lead in the second half when Eze found the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside. Palace also had a penalty appeal turned down, while Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, made crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
In a final push, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou brought on Richarlison, Pape Sarr, and Timo Werner, but Palace’s defense remained resolute. Postecoglou acknowledged the disruption and physicality of the game, admitting that Palace adapted better to the scrappy play. As seven minutes of stoppage time were announced, Selhurst Park braced for a tense finish, but the home fans erupted in celebration when the final whistle confirmed Palace’s first league win since May.
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