Crystal Palace stunned Tottenham with a dominant second-half display and a crucial Micky van de Ven red card, securing a 3-1 Premier League victory.
Crystal Palace delivered a significant upset at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, defeating Tottenham 3-1 in a dramatic Premier League encounter. Ismaïla Sarr was the star, scoring twice for the visitors, including a pivotal penalty. The match's turning point arrived with Micky van de Ven's first-half red card, leaving Tottenham to fight with ten men.
Both teams arrived with points to prove on March 5, 2026. Tottenham sat 16th in the league, desperate to halt a troubling run of recent results. Crystal Palace, positioned 14th, aimed to create some distance from the relegation zone.
The first half began with a flurry of fouls and yellow cards. Tottenham’s Souza was booked in the 7th minute for tripping, followed by Jørgen Strand Larsen of Palace in the 22nd minute for holding. VAR then intervened in the 29th minute, disallowing an Ismaïla Sarr goal for offside, keeping the score level.
Despite the early pressure, Tottenham found a breakthrough. Dominic Solanke fired home in the 34th minute, after receiving an astute pass from Archie Gray, giving the home side a much-needed lead. The Tottenham faithful erupted, hopeful for a change in fortune.
However, the game dramatically shifted just four minutes later. Micky van de Ven received a straight red card for holding, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This left Tottenham at a severe disadvantage, forcing a tactical reshuffle.
Crystal Palace immediately capitalised on their numerical superiority. Ismaïla Sarr confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 40th minute, bringing the Eagles level. The momentum had decisively swung in Palace's favour.
The visitors continued their assault in first-half stoppage time. Jørgen Strand Larsen guided a shot past the goalkeeper in the 45+1 minute, assisted by Adam Wharton. Then, in the 45+7 minute, Sarr completed his double, also set up by Wharton, sending Palace into the break with an astonishing 3-1 lead.
After a chaotic first half, Tottenham faced an uphill battle with ten men. Managerial changes would be crucial, but overcoming a two-goal deficit against a rejuvenated Palace side seemed a daunting prospect.
The second half saw Crystal Palace expertly manage their lead. They dominated possession, circulating the ball effectively and reducing Tottenham to limited attacking forays. Tottenham made substitutions, bringing on Conor Gallagher, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, and Xavi Simons, but their efforts were largely frustrated.
Palace maintained a disciplined defensive shape, stifling Tottenham's attempts to find a way back into the game. Despite having 12 total shots to Palace’s 9, Tottenham struggled to convert their chances. Palace’s defence held firm, protecting their valuable lead.
Crystal Palace concluded the match with 60% possession and an expected goals (xG) of 1.78, slightly higher than Tottenham’s 1.57. Both teams managed four shots on target, but Palace’s efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
This emphatic 3-1 away victory sees Crystal Palace strengthen their mid-table position. For Tottenham, this defeat, coupled with the disciplinary issue, deepens their woes and leaves them firmly entrenched in 16th place in the Premier League.
