Tottenham vs Crystal Palace player ratings: Van Hecke impresses as Mateta sees red

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Jan Paul van Hecke helped Tottenham to a third successive Premier League victory, while Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early dismissal left Crystal Palace facing an uphill struggle in their 2-0 defeat.

Archie Gray headed Spurs ahead before Van Hecke added the second. Dean Henderson was Palace’s standout performer, making several saves to prevent the scoreline becoming more emphatic.

Our Tottenham vs Crystal Palace player ratings assess both starting teams and the substitutes used. These are Dave.Sport’s editorial marks out of 10, based on the reported match action. Players given only a brief late appearance are not rated.

Tottenham player ratings

Antonín Kinský — 6

A quiet evening, with Palace offering little sustained threat after losing Mateta. Had far less to do than Henderson at the other end and finished with a clean sheet.

Archie Gray — 7

Made the important breakthrough, meeting Kudus’ corner at the far post and directing his header across goal. Booked before scoring and replaced by Pedro Porro at half-time.

Jan Paul van Hecke — 8

Missed a good chance after the break but made amends by following up his own header to score Tottenham’s second. A persistent threat in Palace’s box as well as part of a defence that conceded little.

Micky van de Ven — 7

Caught by Mateta’s challenge but able to continue. With Palace’s main striker gone, the captain had a less demanding defensive assignment and helped Spurs maintain control from the back.

Andy Robertson — 8

Provided useful width and delivery as Tottenham pressed Palace back. Created three chances, according to the match statistics, and gave Spurs an attacking outlet from left-back before making way for Udogie.

Sandro Tonali — 7

Helped Tottenham sustain their pressure and reacted quickly to charge down a Palace clearance, forcing Henderson into a save. An effective contribution in a midfield battle made easier by the extra man.

Mateus Fernandes — 8

Involved in several of Tottenham’s better passages. Won possession before setting up a Solanke attempt and supplied the cross in the move that brought Van Hecke’s goal. Offered purpose alongside the passing.

Mohammed Kudus — 7

His corner supplied Gray’s opener, giving Spurs the breakthrough they needed. Had a late finish ruled out for offside. An important contribution, although he could not add a goal of his own.

Omar Marmoush — 6

Had opportunities to make more of Tottenham’s advantage. Wasted a promising second-half break with an inaccurate pass when team-mates were available. Replaced by Kulusevski with the points close to secure.

Mathys Tel — 7

Kept looking for openings and threatened from outside the area after the interval. His willingness to take players on gave Palace something else to defend, although he could not find the finishing touch.

Dominic Solanke — 6

Forced an excellent save from Henderson with a powerful second-half effort and had another attempt deflected over. Also blocked McNeil’s shot at the other end. Replaced by Gallagher without getting his goal.

Tottenham substitutes

Pedro Porro — 7: Replaced Gray at half-time and gave Tottenham fresh attacking impetus on the right. Helped keep Palace pinned back as Spurs searched for their second.

Conor Gallagher — 6: Came on for Solanke and got into shooting positions. Contributed to the pressure without supplying a decisive finish.

Dejan Kulusevski — 7: Made an impression during his late appearance, testing Henderson with a forceful effort. A useful contribution from the bench.

Destiny Udogie — 6: Replaced Robertson after the second goal. Helped Tottenham see out the closing stages without giving Palace a route back.

Luca Williams-Barnett — Not rated: A late Premier League debut in place of Tel. Too little time for a fair mark.

Crystal Palace player ratings

Dean Henderson — 8

Palace’s best player. Made seven saves, including an excellent stop from Solanke, and kept his side within one goal until the 73rd minute. The defeat would have been heavier without him.

Chris Richards — 6

Part of a defence forced to withstand prolonged pressure. Palace stayed in contention for much of the match, but the volume of Tottenham attacks eventually told.

Axel Disasi — 6

Spent most of the evening defending his penalty area after Mateta’s dismissal. Palace’s resistance deserves some credit, even though they could not prevent either of Tottenham’s goals.

Jaydee Canvot — 6

A difficult assignment against opponents able to commit players forward throughout. The back line kept the deficit manageable for a long spell, but could not hold out for the full match.

Óscar Mingueza — 5

Had limited opportunity to offer an attacking outlet. Booked early in the second half and replaced by Khalaili around the hour as Sage changed his options.

Tyrick Mitchell — 6

Another Palace player whose afternoon became almost entirely defensive. Had little scope to get forward as Tottenham repeatedly returned the ball to the visitors’ final third.

Adam Wharton — 5

Unable to give Palace the spells of possession they needed to relieve the pressure. The numerical disadvantage made that task harder. Replaced late on.

Daichi Kamada — 5

Spent too much of the match without the ball to influence Palace’s attacking play. Alongside Wharton, could not wrest control from Tottenham’s midfield.

Dwight McNeil — 5

Had one of Palace’s few sights of goal but saw his effort blocked by Solanke. In a match of so few visiting chances, that was an opportunity Palace needed to use better.

Yeremy Pino — 5

Struggled to threaten consistently once Palace were reduced to 10 men. Replaced by Nketiah as Sage looked for a different outlet.

Jean-Philippe Mateta — 2

His late challenge on Van de Ven brought a red card after a VAR review and left Palace short-handed for most of the game. A costly dismissal that removed their centre-forward as well as their 11th player.

Crystal Palace substitutes

Eddie Nketiah — 5: Introduced for Pino but could not turn Palace’s occasional attacks into an equaliser. Service was limited.

Anan Khalaili — 5: Replaced Mingueza around the hour. Unable to change the balance of a game Tottenham continued to dominate.

Will Hughes — Not rated: Replaced Wharton in the closing minutes.

Jefferson Lerma — Not rated: A late replacement for Kamada, with little time to influence proceedings.

Dave.Sport player of the match: Jan Paul van Hecke

Van Hecke gets the nod for his contribution at both ends and the goal that finally put Tottenham beyond Palace’s reach. Henderson was the visitors’ outstanding performer, while Robertson and Fernandes also impressed for Spurs.

See our confirmed teams and benches and pre-match preview. The match incidents are documented in Hayters’ live coverage, with performance statistics available through Sofascore’s match breakdown.

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