Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham: Archie Gray's first career goal clinches hard-fought win for Spurs

Archie Gray's first senior goal secured a battling 1-0 win for Tottenham against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Gray, making his 112th career appearance, headed in from close range following a corner shortly before half-time, his goal clinching only a second win in nine Premier League games for Spurs and leaving Palace to rue their missed chances.

Oliver Glasner's side dominated much of the encounter but could not make their pressure count, with Jean-Philippe Mateta heading over from their best chance of the first half, before Justin Devenny and Maxence Lacroix spurned big opportunities after the break.

Gray's goal came against the run of play but Spurs had the ball in the net on two other occasions, with Richarlison, in for the suspended Xavi Simons, twice denied after VAR checks for offside.

Palace, who added defender Chris Richards to a lengthy absentee list due to injury, ran out of steam in the closing stages as they continue to struggle with their hectic schedule. They are now without a win in five games in all competitions.

Spurs came close to extending their lead on several occasions late on, with substitute Wilson Odobert hitting the post and Rodrigo Bentancur forcing a save from Dean Henderson.

In the end, though, Gray's maiden goal, nodded into the net from Richarlison's flick, proved sufficient for a much-needed win to ease the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank and lift Spurs up to 11th, only a point behind Palace in ninth.

Gray: It's the best feeling to score

Tottenham's Archie Gray told Sky Sports on his goal: "When I turned around and I didn't see my team-mates celebrating with me and I was a bit confused. 'Have I actually just scored?'

"But it's a good feeling. Definitely one that took too long.

"I didn't have to do much. I was so close to the goal, I just needed to flick it on really. It was a good flick.

"It's the best feeling. You work your whole life for that moment. Hopefully I can keep it going.

"Everyone is saying they weren't expecting it to be a header. But that one came off my dad's instincts."

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