# Mateta is sent off early and two Tottenham defenders turn it into a third straight win

Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off after 13 minutes, and two Tottenham defenders made Crystal Palace pay in a 2-0 win. Archie Gray headed the first, Jan Paul van Hecke forced in the second, and Spurs have won three league games in a row.

Report · Premier League
Editorial board · 31 October 2026

- Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
- Kick-off: 2026-10-31 17:30 UTC
- Ground: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Status: Full time
- Score: Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
- Full time: Archie Gray 25′ · Jan Paul van Hecke 73′

Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off after 13 minutes, and two Tottenham defenders made Crystal Palace pay in a 2-0 win. Archie Gray headed the first, Jan Paul van Hecke forced in the second, and Spurs have won three league games in a row.

Michael Oliver first showed Mateta a yellow card for a late, studs-up challenge on Micky van de Ven, then changed it to red after a review.

The first goal came in the 25th minute. Mohammed Kudus sent a corner to the far post and Gray headed it back across goal, beyond Dean Henderson.

Henderson kept the margin at one for most of the second half, denying Dominic Solanke, and Mathys Tel shot narrowly wide. With 17 minutes left Van Hecke headed at goal and forced in the rebound himself.

It is the first time in 20 months that Tottenham have won three league games in a row, after Coventry at home and Chelsea away. Pierre Sage's side stay on seven points, and late on Luca Williams-Barnett came off the bench for his league debut.