Tottenham Hotspur were hit with a sucker punch at the end of the first half against Crystal Palace on Sunday as Martin Kelly gave the visitors the lead.
The FA Cup tie between the two London rivals was dominated by Spurs during the opening 45 minutes, with the Lilywhites enjoying 60 percent of the possession and going close with a series of chances.
Indeed, Yohan Cabaye was forced to save off the line in the opening minutes, while Dele Alli saw an effort touch the post and dribble across the Palace goalline shortly afterwards, as Spurs went tantalisingly close to taking the lead.
However, it was Alan Pardew’s Palace who struck first, with Kelly finding space in the dying moments of the first half, having been played in by Wilfried Zaha, before firing a thumping shot past Michel Vorm at the Dutch goalkeeper’s near post.
Heading into the same half, it remains to be seen whether Spurs can recreate the intensity they showed during the opening 45 minutes. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are still fighting on three fronts this season, and having drawn against Fiorentina on Thursday—and with the second leg upcoming on the 25th—their fitness levels will be tested.
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