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.
13. Emerson Royal (on for Doherty) - 5
His late introduction meant he didn’t really have a chance to impact on the game. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. Ryan Sessegnon (on for Gil) - 5
Probably should have done better with a sight of goal late on but his touch let him down. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
15. Ben Davies (on for Lenglet) - 5
Not on the pitch long enough to really make an impact. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. Harvey White (on for Perisic) - 5
Little time to make an impact after his late introduction. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images