Crystal Palace see off struggling Tottenham in FA Cup
Tottenham Hotspur went out of their second domestic cup competition in four days as Crystal Palace's Connor Wickham and Andros Townsend struck first-half goals to secure a 2-0 FA Cup victory in a lively fourth-round clash on Sunday.
Spurs, beaten by Chelsea in a League Cup semi-final penalty shootout on Thursday, had their woes compounded in a dismal opening period when Kieran Trippier shot wide from the penalty spot after Patrick van Aanholt brought down Juan Foyth.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, already missing striker Harry Kane and midfielder Dele Alli through injury and with South Korea forward Son Heung-min on his way back from the Asian Cup, rested Christian Eriksen among a raft of changes from last weekend's Premier League win at Fulham.
The hosts took the lead against the run of play in the ninth minute as Wickham, whose Palace career had stalled due to a serious knee injury suffered in 2016, tapped in from close range on his first start for the club in 792 days.
The 25-year-old forward was in the right place to capitalise after Jeffrey Schlupp glided past the Spurs defence only to have his shot from the right parried away by keeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Palace doubled their lead with a penalty in the 34th minute through Townsend, who sent Gazzaniga the wrong way, after defender Kyle Walker-Peters inexplicably handled a high ball.
Julian Speroni, who had made a fine double save to deny Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, was also solid after the break as he helped Roy Hodgson's team to victory.
The fourth round of the FA Cup continues in the nation's capital for two Sunday evening contests packed with intrigue both on and off the pitch.
The Thursday night Carabao Cup combatants continue their campaigns, with Chelsea preparing to host Sheffield Wednesday later, but first it is to Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are ready for an all-Premier League encounter.
Crystal Palace pushed Liverpool all the way in a topsy-turvy 4-3 defeat last weekend. Roy Hodgson rings the changes defensively from that result, with solely Patrick Van Aanholt retaining his place in the back four. Max Meyer, Jeffrey Schlupp and Connor Wickham all came off the bench against Liverpool, and earn opportunities from the start in the cup.
It is presumably a back-three for Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs. Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez are brought in and should form two of the defensive trio, while Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker-Peters will provide width. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou provided a telling contribution with a magnificent cross for Harry Winks' late winner against Fulham last weekend and starts, along with another academy product in emerging midfielder Oliver Skipp.
It was a disappointing week for Spurs fans, exiting the Carabao Cup on penalties as Mauricio Pochettino's trophy drought continues.
The FA Cup could be important as Mauricio Pochettino's legacy continues to be defined, and after the Chelsea defeat, Miguel Delaney explored the nature of a club promising so much, but ultimately delivering so little.
Tottenham's is a squad stretched thin, with Harry Kane's absence particularly notable. The earlier-than-expected return of Heung-Min Son from international duties will provide a boost, but could Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino yet explore the transfer market ahead of Thursday's deadline?
With all the latest ins and outs, rumours and more from the Premier League and right around Europe, The Independent's transfer live blog is your one-stop shop between now and Deadline Day:
The FA Cup has opened somewhat with a number of Premier League clubs falling over the first two days of fourth round action.
At least nine of the sides in the fifth round draw will be from outside of the top division, and there is scope for that number to rise to 12 with Shrewsbury and West Brom taking Wolves and Brighton to replays respectively. Sheffield Wednesday will get their chance at a cup shock under interim manager Steve Agnew at Stamford Bridge later.
That fifth round draw comes tomorrow night at around 7.20pm.
VAR is in operation at Selhurst Park this afternoon, much to the chagrin of those who have been cost in unsupported games this weekend (Everton fans, I'm talking to you...)
It appears the FA may have brought in a specialist to oversee things, too...
Three abreast at the back for Spurs, with Juan Foyth and Jan Vertonghen flanking Davinson Sanchez. Kyle Walker-Peters at left wing-back.
A tightly packed midfield three for Crystal Palace: Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer alongside Cheikhou Kouyate. Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend wide, Connor Wickham with the task of troubling that back three up front.
Tottenham trying to use their width early on. Kyle Walker-Peters and Kieran Trippier can both provide quality in forward areas, and the pair are looking to combine with the speedy wingers ahead of them regularly as Spurs dominate possession.
Lucas Moura takes a forward pass nicely to surge away from Cheikhou Kouyate and the Senegalese midfielder is rather fortunate to escape caution.
Spurs play the free kick short and work space for Oliver Skipp to set his sights on goal from the edge of the area, but the youngster rather misplaces his side-foot goalwards. Several yards wide of Julian Speroni's left-hand post, and the Palace goalkeeper will pump clear.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur kicks off at 4:00pm (GMT) on Sunday 27 January.
Where can I watch it?
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 3:30pm (GMT).
BT Sport subscribers can stream the action online or watch via the BT Sport app.
Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.
Player to watch…
Harry Winks: In the absence of key players Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Son Heung-min, Harry Winks has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks. The 22-year-old scored a last-minute winner at Fulham last weekend, and his drive and intensity was evident during Thursday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea.
Winks in action during Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final (PA)
