Team Spirit Drives Winning Run
Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 win against 10 man Crystal Palace on Saturday. The result marks three straight Premier League wins for the club for the first time in 616 days.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi believes the recent turnaround comes down to his players coming together as a proper team. A training trip to Marbella last month helped spark the change. This followed a busy transfer window where majority owners the Lewis family invested 380 million pounds to bring in 10 new players.
De Zerbi noted that before the international break, the squad had many good individuals but lacked unity. He stated that the team played well in parts of matches, but lost energy and spirit after conceding goals. Now, he feels the group plays together as one unit.
Archie Gray Continues To Impress
The growing bond among the players was clear when Archie Gray scored the opening goal in the 25th minute. The 20 year old headed home and was immediately celebrated by the substitutes on the sideline.
Gray started at right back, which was the ninth time this season he has played out of position. He delivered another solid performance. However, De Zerbi took him off at half time.
The manager explained that Gray received a yellow card in the 15th minute, so he did not want to risk a red card. De Zerbi praised Gray for playing like a mature player since the match against Manchester United.
Squad Depth Boosted By Returning Stars
Gray filling in at right back has allowed Tottenham to give Pedro Porro time to recover. The World Cup winner missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury, which he hurt again in September against Aston Villa.
Porro is now fit and ready to start the upcoming match against Leeds. De Zerbi said Porro was honest with him about not starting on Saturday, noting that the Premier League season is 38 games long rather than just one match.
Left back Destiny Udogie also featured in the second half alongside Porro. Udogie has faced several fitness issues, but the free signing of Andy Robertson in June helped cover his absence. Robertson has been consistent, and De Zerbi hopes Udogie can now stay fit for several weeks in a row.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- Premier League and every other league
- Premier League official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
