Crystal Palace staged a comeback to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the Premier League on March 5, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ismaila Sarr scored twice, including a penalty, after Tottenham's Micky van de Ven was sent off, leaving the hosts with 10 players. The loss marks Tottenham's fifth straight defeat, placing them just one point above the relegation zone.
The match began with an uneventful opening, but Crystal Palace thought they had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Ismaila Sarr's deflected shot found the net. However, a Video Assistant Referee check ruled it out for offside. Tottenham responded quickly, with Dominic Solanke scoring from close range after a cross from Archie Gray, putting the hosts ahead.
The turning point came four minutes later when Micky van de Ven hauled down Sarr, earning a red card and conceding a penalty. Sarr converted the spot-kick in the 40th minute to equalize. During first-half added time, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Sarr each scored from passes by Adam Wharton, giving Palace a 3-1 lead at halftime. Some Tottenham fans reportedly headed for the exits before the break.
In the second half, Tottenham, now down to 10 men, struggled to create chances. Solanke had a shot saved by Dean Henderson early in the period, but Palace controlled possession. Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch commented post-match that Spurs were 'bang in trouble,' noting Palace's superiority even when Tottenham had 11 players. Joe Cole added that Tottenham are 'right in the mix' for relegation.
Tottenham, under interim coach Igor Tudor, have earned just two points from their last seven home league games and sit one point above the relegation zone after this ninth defeat in their last 14 home matches. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, rise to 13th place with the win, their first consecutive away league victory over Tottenham.
Team news highlighted injuries for both sides, including Tottenham's Cristian Romero and James Maddison, and Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta.
