Ryan Mason has recorded a win for the first time in charge of Tottenham as a caretaker manager after Tottenham defeated Crystal Palace in the Premier League thanks to Harry Kane, who continues to break records.
Mason’s first match ended in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United, and his team oversaw a comeback against Liverpool, but it was stopped by a Diogo Jota late-minute goal.
The win against Crystal Palace has moved the team to sixth place on the Premier League table.
Tottenham are still in the race to get Champions League football, but a win by Manchester United may be the end of their Champions League bid.
However, European football is not far away if they win the remaining three matches in the league.
How Tottenham Defeated Crystal Palace in the London Derby
On a rainy afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Crystal Palace started well against Spurs.
Crystal Palace’s Anderson had a nice chance of giving the Eagles the lead, but his attempt was not good enough to beat Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Tottenham had the first clear chance in the 21st minute, but Harry Kane’s selfishness did not help the team score a goal due to his attempt from outside the box.
Michael Olise’s shot from 20 yards almost put Crystal Palace ahead, but Forster saved the shot.
Tottenham kept pressing the Eagles, and the linking of Pedro Porro and Kane was frustrating Crystal Palace’s right defense.
Porro aimed for Heung Min Son on the left side in the 35th minute in search of a goal, but the Crystal Palace defense pulled the ball away.
Even with the game lacking quality on both sides, Kane broke the Crystal Palace defense to score the only goal of the match.
Porro provided a nice cross into the 18-yard box, and Kane, with a powerful header, put Tottenham in the driving seat.
Kane’s goal made him the second-highest goal scorer in Premier League history with 209 goals, passing Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney with 208 goals.
Early in the second half, Tottenham were under pressure, with Christian Romero and Forster unable to deal with a ball in the 18-yard box.
An excellent counterattack came in the second half from Crystal Palace with Tottenham defenders on the back foot, but a lack of clinical play in front of goal gave Crystal Palace another chance to score a goal.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnson stopped Son from making it 2-0 in the 76th minute. Johnson put all his body on the line to tip the ball over the goal post.
However, with a few minutes to go until the end of the match, Tottenham had to defend with Crystal Palace attackers looking for an equalizer.
What Next for Tottenham and Crystal Palace?
Tottenham will travel to Villa Park to play against high-flying Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on May 13, 2023.
However, it is a must-win for Harry Kane’s side in their bid to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, welcome Bournemouth to Selhurst Park Stadium on May 13, 2023.
Bournemouth need just three points to be declared safe from relegation, and Crystal Palace would want to finish the season on a high note under Roy Hodgson.
