Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 and pile more misery on Igor Tudor’s relegation-battling side. All of the talk ahead of Thursday night’s game was about Spurs needing to win in their fight against the drop.
The Lilywhites looked too eager to get their first win of 2026 after making a solid start to the game. They took the lead through Dominic Solanke after Archie Gray managed to keep the ball in play and find the English striker.
The hosts capitulated courtesy of a Micky van de Ven sending off in the 38th minute. The Dutch defender pulled Ismaila Sarr to the ground in the box, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Sarr stepped up and sent Guglielmo Vicario the wrong way with a coolly taken spot kick. Palace then turned the game around in the 45+1st minute when Adam Wharton played Jorgen Strand Larsen through on goal, and the Norweigan calmly tucked the ball home.
A mad first half took another twist when Sarr bagged his second of the night in the 45+7th minute. Wharton delivered a superb through ball for the Senegalese to seal all three points.
Wharton’s midfield masterclass
Wharton was at his best in North London last night, reminding many of his unbelievable talent. There have been some question marks over his form this season amid speculation over his future.
The 22-year-old produced two slick assists and controlled the game in the middle of the park. He made two key passes and won four of eight ground duels (via Sofascore).
With most of the Premier League tuning in to see if Spurs’ relegation struggles continued, the young Englishman more than caught the eye. He is one of English football’s most highly sought-after talents and almost certainly will be in the mix for a starting role with England at this summer’s World Cup.
Wharton wows the Premier League
Wharton has now made 38 appearances across competitions this season and has seven assists to his name. The composure of the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder is incredible, and so too is his ability on the ball.
The English youngster came in for huge praise from fans on X following his display against Spurs. Rising Stars XI wrote:
“No one in the Premier League breaks lines better than Adam Wharton. Special talent.”
Henry Winter gave a glowing verdict: “Adam Wharton makes the game look effortless. The ball loves his company. He always seems in total control of the ball and the moment, however closely he’s being pressed. Spurs couldn’t get anywhere near him.”
One fan reckons he is increasing his value with each performance: “His price tag is only increasing by the game!”
An Arsenal supporter hailed the Palace man: “I am an Adam Wharton appreciator.”
Chelsea legend Joe Cole hailed Wharton’s second assist by making a bold comparison: “If Pirlo plays that pass, the world stops.”
A Liverpool fan feels Wharton is a must-have: “Adam Wharton’s passing is elite. It’s the exact verticality Liverpool are missing.”
Wharton has been linked with Liverpool alongside Manchester United and Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window. It has been widely reported that Palace will be demanding around £100m to part with the midfield maestro.
The Eagles have already seen two of their top stars leave Selhurst Park following last season’s FA Cup triumph. Wharton might unfortunately be the next to depart if he continues in such fashion.
