September 11, (THEWILL) – After a loss and two draws, Crystal Palace beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 to record their first win of the English Premier League season. It is also the first win recorded under their new manager, Patrick Vieira.
The Eagles gave a composed performance in their victory over a sluggish Tottenham at Selhurst Park in the first game on Saturday.
An uncharacteristic lethargy seemed to hold back the Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, which was not the case in their perfect start to the 2021/2022 campaign that left them the only side with a perfect record after matchday three and earned Nuno the August Manager of the Month award.
The result showed the midfield diamond Nuno tried out was not an inspired choice as it was off the pace throughout. It rendered his side unable to control the game, and because Harry Kane and Lucas Moura were starved of service ahead of them, getting a goal was a tall order.
The Spurs attack, which relies a lot on Kane, was blunt as the English captain did not rise to the occasion this time like he is wont to do for club and country.
Altogether, the disruptive midfield formation and the tepid attack meant Nuno’s side finished the first half with the unenviable statistic of failing to have a single shot in the first period for only the second time in the last five years.
It went from bad to worse for Spurs when defender Japhet Tanganga was sent off early in the second half after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. It made the task for the visitors an even steeper endeavour just as Palace were beginning to assert themselves after being the much capable side throughout.
Vieira’s charges then took a thoroughly deserved lead when referee Jonathan Moss awarded the hosts a penalty after the outstretched arm of Ben Davies hit the ball in the area. With just under a quarter of an hour left in regulation time, Wilfried Zaha converted from 12 yards to break the deadlock.
It got better for Palace with Vieira’s inspired introduction of Odsonne Edouard, who they signed from Celtic on transfer deadline day. He was a super-sub for the hosts as he needed only a few seconds to score his first, showcasing a true striker’s instinct as he scored while off balance.
Yet, Edouard was not done. Conor Gallagher earned an assist for the third goal as he was on the end of a team counter that saw him lay the ball perfectly for Edouard to complete a late brace and ensure a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Palace.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
