Tottenham Hotspur survived early pressure in the first half to take a much-needed home victory, as the honeymoon period of new boss Tim Sherwood continues in earnest in London Second-half strikes from summer singing Christian Eriksen and Canada-bound substitute Jermaine Defoe helped the London outfit to a victory that moves them into fifth place, a point above Liverpool, who play tomorrow Spurs survived a mountain of early pressure, including a disastrous early penalty miss by Jason Puncheon, after Mousa Dembélé had clumsily fouled Palace striker Maruane Chamakh. Spurs settled in the second half, and Christian Eriksen struck on 50 minutes with a crisp left-foot shot from the centre of the box into the top left-hand corner of the goal, after a nod on from Emmanuel Adebayor Cue Canada-bound Jermaine Defoe, who was brought on for Soldado on 58 minutes, and the former England international delivered a farewell gift to the Tottenham faithful with a second goal on 72 minutes, assisted by Aaron Lennon. Palace's defeat now sees them prop up the table on goal difference following Sunderland's big win at Fulham. Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Chiriches, Rose, Lennon, Bentaleb, Dembele, Eriksen, Adebayor, Soldado. Subs: Naughton for Walker (48), Defoe for Soldado(58), Chadli for Eriksen(76) Crystal Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Gabbidon, Delaney, Parr, Bolasie, Ward, Jedinak, Puncheon, Jerome, Chamakh. Subs: Gayle, Williams, Guedioura, Referee: Michael Oliver
Diarmuid is a freelance student and studious sports journalist operating out of the wilds of Dublin, Ireland. His specialist subjects include the English Premier League, the GAA, and track and field athletics.
