Crystal Palace v Tottenham analysis: Eagles Weaknesses to Exploit

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Match Analysis: Key Weaknesses, Set-Pieces, and Tactical Breakdown

The upcoming Crystal Palace v Tottenham Premier League fixture throws up several tactical battles that could determine the outcome. 

Both teams have clear strengths obviously, but it’s the weaknesses that Tottenham will likely be focusing on. 

Hello once again Spurs fans, another game, another tactical preview breaking down the areas where we can gain the upper hand.

Current Form

Crystal Palace have struggled in recent games, with a recent 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a 0-1 defeat at home to Liverpool. 

They've managed just three points from their last eight Premier League games, often showing defensive solidity but lacking offensive threat. 

Tottenham, by contrast, are in fine form, having won 4-1 against West Ham and a solid 3-0 away victory at Manchester United, showing strength both in defence and attacke.

Crystal Palace Defensive Weaknesses

Crystal Palace have shown distinct cracks in their defensive structure under their Austrian manager Oliver Glasner this season, especially when they face teams that press aggressively.

Glasner himself was a centre-back and spent all of his career in the Austrian Bundesliga with SV Ried, apart from 3 games on loan as LASK so ought to know a thing or two about organising a defence.

Crystal Palace typically set up in a solid, compact shape, relying heavily on their defensive organization with US player Chris Richards tacking over from Joachim Andersen to partner England international Marc Guéhi.

Richards, while promising, can be vulnerable under intense pressure, which could open up spaces for our attackers. Guéhi remains solid in positioning, yet he’ll face difficulty against the quick movement and width we’ll bring with Son and Johnson.

These defensive adjustments give us opportunities, particularly if we can keep them isolated in one-on-one situations. 

With a tendency to concede 1.38 goals per match (Source: Fbref), they’re susceptible to rapid transitions, something Tottenham have excelled at this season, as shown against West Ham.

Additionally and quite startlingly, Crystal Palace have won just 35% of their aerial duels in the defensive third, exposing them to set-piece threats. 

Tottenham’s corner routines, led by players like James Maddison, can cause problems for a defence that already looks shaky defending dead-ball situations. 

However, Spurs had 12 corners in the first-half against the Hammers and didn't cause too many problems, something Ange Postecoglou admitted in his AZ Alkmaar UEFA Europa League pre-game press conference.

The Full-Back Dilemma

Palace have also had issues with their full-backs this season. Tyrick Mitchell, while solid defensively, has struggled against players who can stretch him wide and then cut inside.

If we can isolate him one-on-one, it could create opportunities for those dangerous balls into the box or for Brennan Johnson to cut inside and go for goal.

I'd expect to see lots of quick switches of play to keep Palace’s full-backs on their heels. 

They will be vulnerable to overloads on his side, with Udogie or Porro pushing forward in support.

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Set Pieces

One weakness for Palace this season and last season for that matter, has been the defending of set-pieces. They have failed to properly mark opponents during corners and free kicks which has cost them points this season. 

Palace have conceded 11 goals in the 8 EPL games in 2024/25, 2 from corners and 2 from free-kicks, that's around 36% conceded from set-pieces and 1 goal in 50% of games.

With Maddison’s delivery and players like Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke offering height and physicality in the box, set pieces are an area we can exploit in what is traditionally a tight fixture for the Lilywhites. 

Selhurst Park requires sides to be mentally strong as it can have an intimidating atmosphere which lifts Palace. They only lost 1-0 to Liverpool and drew 0-0 with Manchester United.

We’ve been decent at defending set-pieces this season, but I’d still like to see us be extra cautious here.

However, Palace’s over-reliance on these set-pieces is also a sign of their inability to create clear-cut chances in open play. If we can avoid giving away cheap free-kicks around the box, we can starve them of their biggest threat.

Crystal Palace Weakness Under High Press

Under pressure, the Eagles defence tends to lose its shape, especially against teams that press aggressively. Tottenham’s pressing game has been even stronger this season than last season under Ange Postecoglou. 

In 2023/24), Spurs led the Premier League in total pressures and turnovers in the final third.

Tottenham will likely deploy this tactic right from the kickoff, pressing Palace’s defenders to force turnovers. 

With Palace’s midfield sometimes struggling to retain possession under pressure, Tottenham can capitalize on these mistakes and launch quick counter-attacks, targeting the spaces behind the Palace full-backs.

First Half Analysis: Spurs’ Early Aggression

Historically, Tottenham likes to start strongly in the first half, using our pressing tactics to dictate the tempo. 

Expect us to apply relentless pressure and dominate the first half, keeping Palace pinned in their half while limiting their attacking opportunities.

Our full-backs can push forward and overload Palace’s defence on the flanks which might be a source of goals.

Second Half Prediction: Palace’s Pushback

While Tottenham may control the first half, Palace will try to bounce back in the second. 

However, if Tottenham takes an early lead, expect them to manage the second half more conservatively, looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities as Palace pushes forward.

Midfield Analysis: Battleground for Control

With Eberechi Eze fit and back in Palace's lineup, they’ll have a creative spark we must be wary of. His ability to dribble and unlock defences adds an extra layer of threat, especially on the break. 

However, Yves Bissouma’s tenacity and defensive awareness can help neutralize Eze's influence. If we can close him down effectively, we’ll likely prevent Palace from generating meaningful build-up play, forcing them to rely on their less effective long-ball tactics. 

We will have to be wary of this with a high line. Van de Ven and Romero will have to stay alert.

They rely heavily on set-pieces and counters which will put Vicario under the spotlight.

I expect Yves Bissouma to shine in breaking up play and controlling the tempo. 

With Maddison’s ability to find pockets of space and Bissouma’s dominance in defensive midfield, we should be able to dictate the flow of the game, limiting Palace’s attacking threat.

Palace will try to crowd the midfield with the likes of Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucouré (if fit), but neither have the vision or the technical quality to outplay Bissouma and Maddison. 

By keeping the ball and moving it quickly, we can force them into chasing shadows, tiring them out as the game progresses. 

We do play too slowly at times, trying to draw players out of position, but sides are well disciplined to retain their shape these days.

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Tactical Game Plan

For Tottenham, the game plan is simple - high press, dominate possession and exploit Palace’s weaknesses on set-pieces. 

With Johnson in form and ready to run at Palace’s backline, Tottenham can stretch the defence and create space for James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski to operate in. 

Maddison and Kulusevski’s creativity will likely be key to breaking through Palace’s stubborn low block .

On the other side, Palace will aim to absorb pressure and hit Spurs on the break. Eberechi Eze are the danger men, but Tottenham’s aggressive pressing will aim to cut off supply to them before they can hurt Spurs.

Key Players Form

Dejan Kulusevski is playing well, Johnson has been scoring goals, Maddison created 5 chances in 45 minutes vs West Ham, more than anyone in the PL has in 90 minutes and Dominic Solanke is working his socks off. 

On the other side, Eberechi Eze will need to deliver for Palace if they’re to stand any chance of competing in this match.

Conclusion: Where the Game Will Be Won

Tottenham will likely dominate through our high press, forcing Palace into mistakes and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. 

Palace’s defensive weaknesses will be key, especially against an in-form Tottenham attack. 

Expect a strong first half from Spurs, given that most of the players had a rest against AZ Alkmaar in midweek.

Q&A Section

1. How often do Crystal Palace score at home?
   The Eagles have a 50% chance of scoring, but recent form shows a struggle to capitalize consistently. Palace have scored 2 goals in 4 home games and conceded 5.

2. Are Tottenham strong defensively in recent games?
   Spurs have let in 6 goals in 4 Premier League away games, scoring 7 goals ourselves. We will have to be careful we don't have any defensive lapses.

3. Do both teams have discipline issues?
   Both sides average about two yellow cards per match, but red cards are rare, with Spurs slightly more likely to receive one at 10%.

4. Is Tottenham’s attack strong?
   Absolutely. With a 90% chance to score per match, Tottenham's attacking line looks poised to challenge Palace’s defence.

5. Which club has the better H2H record?
   Since 1995 there have been 15 matches, 4 Crystal Palace wins, 3 draws and 8 Spurs victories.