Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season took another hit on Sunday as they slumped to their 20th defeat of the campaign, falling 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace in a dismal Premier League outing. The result adds to the growing concerns around the team’s form and personnel choices ahead of the crucial Europa League final against Manchester United.
Eberechi Eze proved to be the difference-maker at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, netting a brace with goals on either side of the half-time whistle. His flair and finishing put Spurs to the sword and exposed defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the club throughout the season. The scoreline could have been even more punishing if not for an inspired performance from goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who made eight crucial saves to prevent further embarrassment.
Kinsky, the young Czech keeper, was handed a rare opportunity to start between the posts due to his ineligibility in European competition. While he rose to the occasion with a commendable display, several outfield players failed to seize their own chances to impress. Among them was veteran defender Ben Davies, who returned to the starting XI at centre-back, and Djed Spence, who was deployed in an unfamiliar role at left-back—both of whom did little to stake a claim for inclusion in the biggest match of Tottenham’s season.
Why Ben Davies Should Be Left Out of the Europa League Final XI
Davies, the experienced Welsh international, was brought back into the fold to start as the left-sided centre-back against Palace after being an unused substitute in both legs of the Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt. While his return offered a glimpse into manager Ange Postecoglou’s rotation plans, his performance failed to justify a spot in the upcoming final.
Statistically, Davies won seven out of his 13 duels—a passable, but hardly impressive, showing in such a pivotal position. He lacked the assertiveness and composure needed at the back, especially when compared to his potential replacement, Micky van de Ven. The Dutchman has consistently outperformed Davies in European fixtures, showcasing superior defensive dominance, positional awareness, and recovery speed. With United boasting pace and creativity in their attack, particularly through players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, Postecoglou must opt for a more reliable and athletic option. The evidence from both domestic and European games makes a strong case for Van de Ven to partner Cristian Romero in the heart of the defence at the Aviva Stadium.
Why Djed Spence Must Also Be Dropped Ahead of the Final
Another player who struggled against Palace was Djed Spence, who was deployed in an unorthodox role at left-back. While Spence is naturally a right-back, he was shifted across the pitch in an experimental move that quickly backfired. His poor positioning was evident in both goals conceded, as Palace exploited the space down his flank with ease. Despite winning eight out of ten duels, Spence looked uncomfortable, misplaced 12 passes, and completed just 76% of his distributions—far too low for a full-back in a possession-based system.
Football.london gave Spence a damning 3/10 rating, describing his display as chaotic and suggesting that Palace actively targeted him throughout the match. This is not an isolated incident either. Earlier in the season, when deployed in his preferred right-back position during a 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool, Spence was frequently caught out of position, allowing attackers to breach Tottenham’s backline. One such error even led directly to a goal, underlining his defensive unreliability.
Given the stakes of a European final and the quality of opposition Tottenham will face, Postecoglou simply cannot afford to gamble with Spence at left-back. His lapses in concentration and positional discipline could be ruthlessly punished by United’s wide players.
Why Destiny Udogie Is the Smarter Choice
Instead, Destiny Udogie presents a far more solid and balanced option. The young Italian has quietly become one of Tottenham’s most consistent defenders in European competition this season. Averaging 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the Europa League, Udogie has also won 66% of his duels—figures that reflect both his defensive sharpness and physicality. Importantly, as a natural left-footer, he offers better balance and progression on the left flank, which is vital when building from the back.
With Udogie’s stronger positional sense and his ability to contribute both defensively and in possession, it is crucial for Postecoglou to reinstate him to the starting XI for the final. Whether that change comes in the final league fixture against Aston Villa or just in time for the showdown in Dublin, it’s a necessary step toward giving Spurs the best chance of success.
Conclusion: Time for Clear Decisions Ahead of the Final
Tottenham’s defeat to Palace served as a stark reminder of the shortcomings that have haunted them all season. With just one Premier League game remaining, all eyes will be on how Ange Postecoglou prepares his side for their date with destiny in the Europa League final. If Spurs are to stand a real chance against Manchester United, bold but rational decisions must be made—starting with dropping underperforming players like Ben Davies and Djed Spence and backing more consistent, battle-tested options like Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.
