Tottenham claimed a third consecutive Premier League victory with a 2-0 win over 10-man Crystal Palace, increasing the pressure on Eagles head coach Pierre Sage.
Headers from Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke secured the points after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early dismissal left Palace facing an uphill battle.
The result lifted Roberto de Zerbi’s side into the top half, while Palace slipped into the relegation zone with just two wins from their opening nine league matches.
Palace’s promising start unravelled after 13 minutes when Mateta lunged recklessly at Micky van de Ven.
Referee Michael Oliver sent the striker off after reviewing the challenge on the pitchside monitor.
Tottenham capitalised 12 minutes later. Gray escaped his marker at a Mohammed Kudus corner and headed past Dean Henderson to give the hosts the lead.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Palace remained competitive and threatened an equaliser after the interval.
Dwight McNeil found himself with a clear opportunity, only for Dominic Solanke to intervene with a vital block.
Spurs increasingly controlled proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute through Van Hecke.
Henderson pushed the defender’s initial effort against the crossbar, but Van Hecke reacted quickly to head the rebound home from close range while down on the turf.
The Palace goalkeeper made several further saves to prevent a heavier defeat as Tottenham continued their recovery under De Zerbi.
Three successive league wins have changed the mood around Tottenham after a difficult start to the season.
Their breakthrough victory against Coventry City was followed by an impressive success at Chelsea, and this result maintained that momentum.
Mateta’s dismissal undoubtedly helped, but Spurs are also showing greater understanding and confidence within De Zerbi’s system.
Sandro Tonali has become increasingly influential after an uncertain opening spell.
The £100m summer signing is beginning to combine his energy and physical presence with the creativity Tottenham need in midfield.
Mateus Fernandes has also grown in assurance following his own slow start, providing further encouragement that the club’s summer recruits are settling.
There is still progress to make, but Tottenham’s recent performances suggest a team beginning to find its rhythm.
Sage had hoped the midweek Carabao Cup victory at Fulham would provide a platform for an improvement in league form.
Instead, Mateta’s reckless challenge undermined a bright opening, while poor marking at a corner handed Tottenham the breakthrough.
Palace continued to compete, and their travelling supporters chanted Sage’s name during the second half.
The players’ effort also suggested they remain committed to their coach.
However, determination alone cannot disguise a disappointing run of results that has left the Eagles in the bottom three.
Sage inherited a demanding task when he replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer, following the Austrian’s FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.
With only two league victories in nine attempts, he now needs results to accompany the resilience his side showed in defeat.
