Tottenham enhanced their chances of Champions League qualification with a thrilling late rally to secure victory over Crystal Palace.
Ange Postecoglou’s team seemed destined for consecutive defeats after Eberechi Eze’s early goal, but a rapid turnaround saw them snatch victory with two goals in just three minutes during the second half.
Timo Werner opened his scoring account for the club by converting Brennan Johnson’s delivery in the 77th minute, followed swiftly by Cristian Romero’s header from James Maddison’s cross in the 80th minute.
Captain Son Heung-min put the result beyond doubt with a precise finish in the dying moments, securing the three points and narrowing the gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa to just two points.
Werner had squandered a golden opportunity in a lackluster first half where the hosts struggled to breach Palace’s resolute defense.
Eze broke the deadlock with a superbly struck free-kick in the 59th minute, causing frustration among the home supporters as chances went begging early in the second half.
However, to their credit, Spurs remained focused and ultimately handed Palace manager Oliver Glasner his first defeat in charge.
Aston Villa have the chance to restore their five-point advantage with a victory in the late kick-off, as they travel to face Luton Town.
Spurs leave it late
If Spurs had suffered defeat in this match, their season under Postecoglou would have been at risk of losing momentum, especially considering their elimination from all cup competitions.
However, the tables have turned with the pressure mounting on Aston Villa as they chase a top-four finish, which guarantees Champions League football next season, with fifth place still potentially securing qualification.
The first half was marked by frustration for Tottenham as they struggled to find a cutting edge without striker Richarlison, sidelined for a month due to injury.
Werner, who hadn’t scored since October for RB Leipzig, displayed his lack of confidence when faced one-on-one with goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the first half.
Yet, the German made no mistake when substitute Johnson, who injected energy into the hosts’ play, outplayed Joachim Andersen and Jefferson Lerma on the right flank, delivering a pass to the unmarked back post.
Despite Palace’s solid defensive efforts, they momentarily switched off after a throw-in, allowing Maddison the space to deliver a cross to the back post, where Romero rose highest to score with a header.
As the visitors pressed for a late equalizer, the ball fell to Son, who had struck the post shortly before Eze’s opener, and he calmly converted where his teammate Werner had faltered earlier.
With their current scoring streak spanning 38 league games, a legacy from former manager Antonio Conte’s era, Spurs find encouragement in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Palace can draw optimism from their promising start under Glasner and Eze’s return to the scoresheet, as the midfielder, making his first appearance since January due to a hamstring injury, curled in a superb effort from the edge of the box after being fouled during a dangerous attacking run.