Thomas Frank reveals what he felt after Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace

Thomas Frank gives his verdict after Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace dominated Tottenham for large parts of the game. They controlled the tempo of play, took the game to the visitors and created numerous chances throughout the contest. What the Eagles lacked was ruthless finishing, and eventually it came back to haunt them.

After Richarlison had an early goal disallowed, Gray opened the scoring for Tottenham with a close-range header. The goal came very much against the stream of play but was much-needed to calm down nerves in the visitors’ dugout. Richarlison had another goal chalked off in the 75th minute, while substitute Wilson Odobert hit the inside of the post.

Tottenham managed to see off the game and clinch much-needed three points at Selhurst Park. While there had been no suggestions internally that Frank’s job was under immediate threat, Tottenham needed to return to winning ways. Thus, when asked if the win at Palace eased some pressure off his shoulders, Frank said in an interview with BBC Match of the Day, revealing what he felt after the win (BBC Sport):

“Every win is very nice. It was a good win, it instilled things in the character of the team which is important because that will get you through bad spells, but there is so much more we can improve.”

Tottenham must improve significantly in 2026

Indeed, Frank clearly still has a lot of work to do on the training ground. His Spurs side came up against a Palace side that has performed well above expectations under Oliver Glasner. Despite missing several key players due to injuries and AFCON duty, Palace were all over Spurs for large spells and cut them open multiple times.

Credit to the Spurs’ defence for standing up tall and repelling attacks that came their way. The back four, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, was excellent and did everything to earn a valuable clean sheet. Overall, the Lilywhites have managed to end 2025 with all smiles, creating a base for a much better and solid 2026.