Thomas Frank summarised Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace perfectly when he said that sometimes desire beats details.
His side’s performance at Selhurst Park, their first win away from home since the end of October, was full of grit and guile.
Assertive headers, punchy clearances, and a concerted defensive effort all contributed to a hard-fought three points on an afternoon where courage beat creativity.
This was a result firmly with Frank’s stamp on it, as Spurs restricted Palace to just two shots on target while testing Dean Henderson with four efforts of their own - and hit the post.
An efficient display at both ends and a huge three points to boot is just what the Dane will have hoped for heading into the new year.
"To go here with the season a little bit up and down, I think it's a huge mentality shift from the players," Frank said post-match.
“I think we played extremely disciplined throughout the game."
He will know as well as anyone else that discipline has not been one of his side’s strong points this season.
Missing captain Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons through suspension, Spurs, who are second-bottom of the fair play table, arrived at Selhurst Park looking for a reaction after letting their emotions get the better of them in what was otherwise a valiant effort in defeat to Liverpool.
Early bookings for Kevin Danso and Archie Gray seemed to suggest Spurs had not learnt their lesson, but Gray, in particular, rallied well to give the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 42nd minute.
Frank has placed his faith in Gray, even after a costly mistake against Nottingham Forest, and the teenager has repaid him with a couple of excellent performances at the heart of Spurs’ midfield.
Popping up to head in his first senior goal, Gray’s reaction to what felt like a defining day against Forest two weeks ago has been superb, the mark of a young man with a bright future in the game.
The 19-year-old embodies the best parts of Spurs’ imperfect team, which Frank will hope to champion over the coming weeks.
"Not everything was perfect, but it's a good step in the right direction. So that's what we need to keep working on,” Frank said.
Spurs’ victory over Palace was an archetypal Frank performance, and one he will take great encouragement from. Spurs next pit the league’s best away record against his former club Brentford’s imperious home form on New Year's Day.
