Odobert: 6 , Moore : 7 , Bentancur: ?? | Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace | Premier League 2024/25

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League campaign has been nothing short of a disaster, with the Lilywhites languishing in 16th place and headed for another trophyless domestic season. However, in Europe, the narrative is vastly different. Spurs are gearing up for a Europa League final against Manchester United on May 22, and all focus is firmly on that crucial showdown.

As a result, Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace carries little significance for Ange Postecoglou’s side. With nothing left to fight for in the league and the season effectively over domestically, Postecoglou is likely to use the fixture as a warm-up for the final, rotating his squad and giving minutes to fringe players.

For Crystal Palace, it’s a different story. Oliver Glasner’s men have had a relatively stable season, sitting comfortably in 12th place with no threat of relegation and no realistic chance of pushing for a top-half finish. With both teams having little at stake, the match is shaping up to be more of a tune-up session than a competitive contest.

Tottenham Hotspur endured a torrid first half against Crystal Palace, falling behind early to a well-taken strike from Eberechi Eze and then conceding again just before the break as Eze completed his brace. The Lilywhites struggled to find any rhythm, with Palace controlling large spells of the game and carving out multiple chances.

Injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and a lack of control in midfield further disrupted Spurs’ flow, as they looked disjointed and unfocused, perhaps with one eye already on the upcoming Europa League final. Despite a few half-chances and set-piece opportunities, Tottenham appeared second-best, unable to muster a coherent attacking response.

Ange Postecoglou introduced Son Heung-min in the second half to spark some life into the attack, but even with the changes, Spurs failed to create any clear-cut chances. Pape Sarr squandered a decent opportunity with a mistimed header, while Wilson Odobert saw a late effort blocked as Palace continued to manage the game well, staying compact and disciplined.

For Spurs, it was a lethargic and uninspired performance, one that did little to lift spirits ahead of their Europa League final against Manchester United. Palace, meanwhile, executed their game plan to perfection, keeping Tottenham at bay and holding on for a deserved win.

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

Antonín Kinský: 8/10

The only reason Spurs weren’t humiliated. Made several key stops, including a sharp save from Mateta and another from Muñoz. Could do little about the goals. A brave and composed showing from the young keeper

Djed Spence: 7/10

Had a few moments going forward, but struggled to contain Eze and Sarr on the overlap. Often left space in behind that was exploited. Made some great runs

Ben Davies: 6/10

Looked off the pace. Beaten too easily on the turn and was part of a shaky backline that never looked settled.

Pedro Porro: 6/10

Started brightly with a couple of decent crosses, but his defensive awareness faded quickly. Subbed early in the second half

Archie Gray: 6/10

Showed energy but was overrun at times. Gave away fouls and couldn’t establish a rhythm. Played his natural position but failed to deliver

Rodrigo Bentancur: 6/10

Sloppy in possession and caught in transition multiple times. Picked up a needless yellow before being taken off at the break

Pape Matar Sarr: 6/10

Energetic and combative, winning several fouls and battling in both halves. Took a shot from distance and provided a drive in midfield.

Kevin Danso: 7/10

Involved in plenty of duels, winning some and losing others. Provided the nice pass for a Richarlison chance and drew fouls in dangerous areas.

Mathys Tel: 8/10

Lively and inventive. Spurs’ most dangerous outfield player, constantly looked to take defenders on and win fouls. Tried to make things happen in the final third and never stopped running

Wilson Odobert: 6/10

Worked hard, but didn’t have much influence. One blocked shot was his main contribution

Dejan Kulusevski: 6/10

Forced off early due to injury after a quiet start. Was played as a striker for god knows why, a poor decision from Big Ange to start the the Swede.

Substitutes

Mikey Moore: 7/10

Came on early for Kulusevski. Showed glimpses of intent but lacked end product

Yves Bissouma : 6/10

Failed to shore up the midfield. Looked frustrated and was drawn into fouls

Heung-min Son : 7/10

Tried to stretch the Palace defence but was largely anonymous. One offside run summed up Spurs’ lack of timing in attack