Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace: three players score 6.5/10 and one ‘special’ 8/10 in win

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur (R2) celebrates with teammates Emerson (L) and Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Tottenham produced a strong second-half performance to take all three points and go five clear of second-placed Manchester City who don't play until Sunday afternoon.

Palace captain Joel Ward deflected a way-ward James Maddison strike into his own net to give Spurs the lead before substitute Brennan Johnson announced his presence with his first assist for the club for Son Heung-min’s eighth goal of the season and the club’s seond on the night.

Before that, Tottenham had gone the entire first half without a shot on target in one of the most disappointing 45 minutes under Ange Postecoglou.

Came for two crosses in the first half. Looked assured even when under immense pressure.

But as has often been the case since the Australian manager took over, he rectified the situation by taking off Ben Davies for Emerson Royal which instantly improved the passing and shape of the team.

Spaces began to spring up for Pape Matar Sarr who was involved in the first goal, this time it was his switch that caught the Palace backline off guard and gave Johnson the space to calve his assist for the Son goal.

Jordan Ayew then volleyed home a goal for the Eagles to set up a nervy end to the game, VAR had a long look at the goal after the ball appeared to hit his hand, but it concluded it was good enough to stand.

There was also the first minutes of the season for Rodrigo Bentacur who was introduced late on for his first taste of football since his knee injury back in February.

Replaced Udogie in the team and lasted only first half.

For large parts of the game, Tottenham looked comfortable but had to hang on to grind out what was their eighth win of the season.

Should be in the discussion for signing of the season. Has underrated pace but it is his reading of the game that is a thing of beauty.

Somewhat very quiet first half for the Tottenham captain before he made up for it with a good finish to put Spurs two up.

Got off to a good start and you can see why he’s starting games, its because he works so hard on and off the ball.

For some one who was playing with the risk of picking a yellow that would rule him of the next game, he was somewhat special.

Had his ankle badly stepped on in the first half. Stepped up in the send half to force the Ward goal.

Strong and determined even though there is a feeling that he just did not attack the line as much as he should have.

Showed why he’s highly regarded by his manager by using those long legs to eat up the grass. His progressive passes were a thing of beauty too. Was involved in both goals.

Not many players better than him when it comes to using the ball in small spaces.

Uncommonly committed in everything he’s doing.

Got his first assist for the club after coming on.

Solid performance enough to help with the win

Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur (R2) celebrates with teammates Emerson (L) and Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)