19-Year-Old Headers Decisive Strike as Thomas Frank’s Side End 2025 on a High Note.

Crystal Palace Tottenham Premier League 2025

Tottenham Hotspur closed out 2025 with a gritty 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, December 28, thanks to a first-half header from teenage sensation Archie Gray – his maiden senior goal.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined from Leeds in summer 2024, rose highest in the 42nd minute to nod home after a chaotic set-piece sequence involving headers from Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison. Gray’s strike proved the difference in a match where Spurs were second-best for large periods but showed defensive resilience.

Richarlison thought he had opened the scoring early (17′) only for VAR to rule it out due to an offside by Lucas Bergvall in the build-up. The Brazilian forward later had another goal chalked off in the second half for a marginal offside, denying him a brace on a frustrating afternoon.

Crystal Palace dominated possession and created several chances – including a glaring miss from Justin Devenny early on – but failed to breach a stubborn Spurs defense. The Eagles’ winless run now stretches to five games, with 12 of their 20 conceded goals this season coming from set-pieces.

The three points lift Tottenham, under manager Thomas Frank (who succeeded Ange Postecoglou earlier in 2025), to 11th in the table – just one point behind Palace in ninth. It’s only their second win in nine Premier League matches, providing much-needed relief amid a challenging festive period.

Archie Gray

Gray received a standing ovation upon substitution, marking a memorable breakthrough moment as the youngest Englishman to score for Spurs in the league since Dele Alli in 2016.

A smash-and-grab victory for the visitors, but one that ends the calendar year positively. COYS!