Off-field talk and recent comments from Antonio Conte may well have domiated the preparations for Tottenham Hotspur’s short trip across London as they faced Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
And for 45 minutes it looked as if there would be more negativity as Patrick Vieira’s men enjoyed the better of the first-half exchanges. But an inspired second-half performance from Spurs - and the typically clinical finishing of England captain Harry Kane - ensured thoughts of Sunday’s poor home defeat against Aston Villa were quickly swept aside.
Matt Doherty and Heung-Min Son were also on target as Spurs moved within two points of fellow Champions League contenders Newcastle United and Manchester United. With a positive result now in the bag all thoughts turn towards the FA Cup third round clash with managerless Portsmouth.
But before thoughts of silverware are the focus, LondonWorld takes a look back at the win at Selhurst Park and gives out our playing ratings for Conte’s men.
5. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 6
Worked hard but didn’t really show the quality you expect from him when in possession. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. Matt Doherty - 7
Got into promising positions on a number of occasions but was wasteful with his delivery into the area. Took his goal well after the ball fell at his feet in an awkward position. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Oliver Skipp - 5
Failed to really make an impact and was substituted midway though the second-half. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Bryan Gil - 8
Had early moments of promise and got into some pockets of space on the right but didn’t make a real impact under a delightful pass to set up Kane’s second of the night. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images