Archie Gray’s First Senior Goal Helps Tottenham Prevail Over Crystal Palace

Key Takeaways:

• Archie Gray scored the decisive goal for Tottenham in the 42nd minute
• Richarlison had two goals disallowed for offside in both halves
• Crystal Palace remain 9th and Tottenham climbed to 11th in the league table, separated by just one point

Match Overview

Tottenham claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in their Premier League round 18 fixture. Archie Gray broke the deadlock just before half-time, netting the only goal of the evening in the 42nd minute. The contest was marked by two disallowed efforts from Richarlison due to offside, one in each half, as both sides sought to reverse their recent poor form.

First Half: Tight Encounters and Disallowed Goals

The visitors, managed by Thomas Frank, thought they had opened the scoring in the 17th minute, only for the goal to be chalked off after Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall were deemed offside. Palace threatened in response, with Jean-Philippe Mateta spurning a promising opportunity just before the half-hour. Justin Devenny and Adam Wharton also forced chances as the first half wore on.

Ending 2025 with a win on the road 💛 pic.twitter.com/rhG97TsRIz

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 28, 2025

Tottenham finally breached the Palace defence in the 42nd minute. Following a corner, Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison both played key roles in the build-up before Archie Gray directed a close-range header beyond the goalkeeper to register his name on the scoresheet.

Second Half: Palace Pressure and VAR Interventions

After the break, Crystal Palace pushed forward energetically in pursuit of an equaliser. Justin Devenny saw a good chance created in tandem with Yeremy Pino and Nathaniel Clyne, before Maxence Lacroix tested the Spurs defence with a dangerous header that ultimately missed the target.

Tottenham rode out the home side’s spell of pressure and even found the net again through Richarlison fifteen minutes from time. However, VAR intervention once more ruled the Brazilian’s effort out for offside.

Current Standings

Ultimately, Thomas Frank’s side held on to secure three crucial points and end their two-game losing run. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace suffered a third consecutive defeat and now are ahead of Spurs by a single point.