Nothing spooky or scary on this Halloween Saturday, as Tottenham cruised past Crystal Palace at home to make it three wins on the trot. The win moves Spurs into the top half of the table for the first time since early December of last year.

The win always looked likely after JP Mateta was sent off in the 13th minute. Initially shown a yellow, the VAR sent Michael Oliver over to the monitor for a second look. Oliver judged the contact to be forceful enough, studs to the Achilles of Micky van de Ven, and upgraded the decision to a straight red.

Archie Gray put Spurs ahead in the 25th minute, nodding home a simple header after being left unmarked at the back post. Mohammed Kudus delivered the corner, picking up his team-leading third assist of the season.

Mateus Fernandes had several good looks from distance shortly after the restart, and Solanke elicited a fine save from Dean Henderson with a neat turn and powerful shot from the center of the box.

But Spurs pulled away for good with a bit of fortune in the 73rd. Van Hecke headed a cross that Dean Henderson parried off the crossbar, only for the keeper to watch on helplessly as the ball fell kindly to Van Hecke, who nodded home while prone on the goalline. Fortune aside, it was not much more than Spurs deserved after a strong performance.

Roberto de Zerbi took advantage of the result to hand a first league appearance to academy product Luca Williams-Barnett, subbing him on in the 88th. Williams-Barnett, who just celebrated his 18th birthday this month, made some darting runs and was robbed of a debut assist by a shocking Mo Kudus miss.

The fans enjoyed the third win on the bounce, and could be heard celebrating former striker Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory, as chants of “Harry Kane, he’s one of our own” were ringing around the ground after Spurs went one up in the first half.

Player of the match Hard to choose, given how lopsided the possession was, but this was Mohammed Kudus’s best performance since returning from injury. He somehow contrived to miss a late opportunity when it surely was easier to score than not, but was lively throughout with a number of dangerous crosses and runs in behind the Palace defense.

Up next Leeds (A), 12:30pm, 7 Nov

Spurs travel to Elland Road in their final match before the international break to face a Leeds side who are winless in their last five. Another victory would see Tottenham notch four consecutive wins for the first time since October 2023.

Player ratings

Antonin Kinsky, GK: 6

Made one comfortable save in the opening minutes and then had nothing to do but spectate following Mateta’s red in the 13th minute.

Archie Gray, RB: 7

Scored a fine goal, as he managed to stay unmarked at the back post. Hardly troubled in the defensive zone. Awaiting to hear whether the substitution was planned to give Porro minutes or if he’s picked up a knock.

Jan Paul van Hecke, CB: 8

Goal came from a bit of luck but was solid at the back and made some nice passes as Spurs tried to break down Palace, including one where Porro really should’ve done better.

Micky van de Ven, CB: 7

Less busy than his central defense partner in the attack, but it was his pace that led to Mateta’s red card.

Andy Robertson, LB: 6

Always dangerous with his crosses but still missing a bit of end product. Had one good chance when he went through on goal. Was fortunate that an early mistake didn’t lead to a better chance for Palace.

Sandro Tonali, MF: 7

A solid performance, as he had little to do on the defensive side of the ball, but his pressing and ball-winning skills have been sorely needed in this side.

Mateus Fernandes, MF: 7

Not as imperious as he was last week at the Bridge but another solid shift with several dangerous crosses delivered.

Mo Kudus, RW: 8

Liveliest performance in a Spurs shirt this season, assisting the opener, and completed 90 minutes for the first time since New Year’s Day. Somehow missed a late chance when he had the entire goal to tap the ball into.

Omar Marmoush, CAM: 6

Seemed a bit too close to Solanke at times, but worked hard in the press with Tonali & Fernandes. Always fancies a shot and looked more dangerous than Solanke on the ball.

Mathys Tel, LW: 7

Gave Oscar Mingueza a horrific time down the flank, drawing a yellow and several fouls. His goal last week has clearly given him the confidence he desperately needs.

Dominic Solanke, ST: 5

Was always going to be a tough task when Palace went down to 10 men. But outside of one nice turn that led to a shot, hardly troubled their back line. Still looks miles off the pace and De Zerbi might be turning his attention to the January window at this position.

Substitutes: N/R for those after 75’

Pedro Porro (Gray, 46’): 6

Put in a good shift in his first appearance since September. Rusty as expected but made some nice darting runs in behind the Palace backline and should’ve converted once.

Conor Gallagher (Solanke, 66’): 7

Added fresh legs to the midfield to keep the pressure on Palace, played several nice crosses and had a nice chance saved by Henderson.

Dejan Kulusevski (Marmoush, 77’)

Almost his first goal since his return in his third outing. Looking much sharper.

Destiny Udogie (Robertson, 77’)

Little to do late on as he works his way back to match fitness.

Luca Williams-Barnett (Tel, 88’)

A day to remember for the youngster, making his Premier League debut at 18 years and a month. Made several mazy runs through a tiring Palace side and will be disappointed to not have the assist that his cross to Kudus deserved.