Premier League
8:00 p.mMarch 5, 2026
Regular season – 29
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Referee: Andy Madley, England
Tottenham
Crystal Palace
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.57
Expected Goals (xG)
1.78
Passing by
236 (78%)
Accurate passes
399 (88%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Dean Henderson (C)
6.6
34
d
Chad Riad
7.2
26
d
Chris Richards
7.3
23
d
Jaydee Canvot
7.2
3
m
Tyrick Mitchell
6.6
18
m
Daichi Kamada
6.5
m
Adam Wharton
45+1′ 45+7′
2
m
Daniel Muñoz
6.6
29
F
Evann Guessand
6.3
F
Ismaila Sarr
40′
45+7′
F
Jørgen Strand Larsen
22′ Holding45+1′
Premier League Ranking – Premier League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Relegation – Championship
Crystal Palace stunned Tottenham with a dominant second-half display and a crucial red card from Micky van de Ven to secure a 3-1 Premier League victory.
Crystal Palace produced a huge shock at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, defeating Tottenham 3-1 in a thrilling Premier League clash. Ismaïla Sarr was the protagonist, with two goals for the visitors, including a crucial penalty. The turning point of the game came with Micky van de Ven’s red card in the first half, which left Tottenham struggling with ten men.
Both teams arrived with points to show on March 5, 2026. Tottenham sat 16th in the league, desperate to stop a string of recent problems. 14th-placed Crystal Palace aimed to create some distance from the relegation zone.
The first half started with a flurry of fouls and yellow cards. Tottenham’s Souza was booked in the 7th minute for tripping, followed by Palace’s Jørgen Strand Larsen in the 22nd minute for holding. The VAR then intervened in the 29th minute, disallowing a goal by Ismaïla Sarr for offside, keeping the score level.
Despite the early pressure, Tottenham found a breakthrough. Dominic Solanke fired home in the 34th minute, after receiving a clever pass from Archie Gray, to give the home side a much-needed lead. The Tottenham faithful erupted, hoping for a change of fortune.
However, the game changed dramatically just four minutes later. Micky van de Ven was shown a straight red card for holding, denying a clear scoring chance. This left Tottenham at a huge disadvantage, forcing a tactical reshuffle.
Crystal Palace immediately took advantage of their numerical superiority. Ismaïla Sarr confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 40th minute, leveling the Eagles. The momentum had shifted decisively in Palace’s favour.
The visitors continued their assault in stoppage time of the first half. Jørgen Strand Larsen guided a shot past the keeper in the 45+1 minute, assisted by Adam Wharton. Then, on 45+7 minutes, Sarr completed his brace, also created by Wharton, sending Palace into the break with a surprising 3-1 lead.
After a chaotic first half, Tottenham faced an uphill battle with ten men. Managerial changes would be crucial, but overcoming a two-goal deficit against a rejuvenated Palace seemed a daunting prospect.
In the second half, Crystal Palace managed their lead expertly. They dominated possession, circulating the ball effectively and reducing Tottenham to limited offensive forays. Tottenham made substitutions, bringing on Conor Gallagher, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Xavi Simons, but their efforts were largely thwarted.
Palace maintained a disciplined defensive shape, stifling Tottenham’s attempts to find a way back into the game. Despite having 12 shots in total to Palace’s nine, Tottenham struggled to convert their chances. Palace’s defense held firm, protecting their valuable lead.
Crystal Palace finished the match with 60% possession and an expected goal (xG) of 1.78, slightly higher than Tottenham’s 1.57. Both teams managed four shots on goal, but Palace’s efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
With this emphatic 3-1 home win, Crystal Palace strengthen their position in mid-table. For Tottenham, this defeat, added to the disciplinary issue, deepens their problems and leaves them firmly entrenched in 16th place in the Premier League.
