Juan Foyth scores first Tottenham goal to down Palace

Defender Juan Foyth scored his first goal for Tottenham to give Spurs a hard-fought away win at Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old Argentine, who conceded two penalties on his Premier League debut against Wolves last week, headed in from close range when he reacted quickest after Harry Kane’s header had been partially blocked.

Palace have now failed to win in seven games in all competitions and were left rueing James Tomkins’ failure to hit the target with a free header when it was goalless.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser late on, but Spurs captain Hugo Lloris did well to deny Jeffrey Schlupp, ex-Tottenham man Andros Townsend and substitute Alexander Sorloth as the visitors held on.

The result leaves the Eagles 16th, only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while fourth-placed Tottenham are two points behind leaders Manchester City, although the top three are all in action on Sunday.

It was not all good news for Tottenham, however, as England international Kieran Trippier, who on Thursday was named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the friendly against the United States and the Nations League game versus Croatia, limped out of the game after only 22 minutes.

Midfielder Erik Lamela also had to leave the field when he suffered a badly cut head as he slid in to challenge Schlupp.

From villain to hero

Foyth, who joined Tottenham from Argentine club Estudiantes in August 2017 in an £8m transfer, had only played in cup games before making his league debut at Molineux last weekend.

However, it was not the best of starts as he conceded two penalties – scored by Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez – as Spurs held on to win 3-2.

Foyth was not in the 18-man matchday squad for Spurs’ 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday, but a hamstring injury to Davinson Sanchez gave Foyth another chance.

He made a nervous start when he needlessly conceded a corner under no pressure with a misplaced pass to Lloris, although Palace could not capitalise from the set-piece.

But he became the match winner in the second half, reacting quickest as Palace failed to attack the second ball after Kane’s header had deflected into Foyth’s range.

Tottenham had 65% of the possession and had the best chances in the first half, but Dele Alli headed wide when unmarked, Kane had a 25-yard shot pushed away and Lucas Moura headed over.