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5 post match reactions to Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

5. Jan Vertonghen is back to normal

The Belgian defender was significantly off the pace last week at Everton, but he was back to his old self against Palace. He didn’t put a step wrong when grappling with Connor Wickham, and that really helped stabilize the Spurs back four.

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Granted, it isn’t as if the Palace attack is full of world-class superstars. Andros Townsend certainly isn’t Lionel Messi out there. Still, you have to give Vertonghen and the rest of the Spurs defense credit for keeping a clean sheet.

The portion of the Tottenham fan base that clamored for Kevin Wimmer to step into the starting XI can now be silenced. Vertonghen’s solid play against Palace silenced that debate before it ever really had the opportunity to begin.

Vertonghen’s improved performance bodes well for the club moving forward. He and Toby Alderweireld made a spectacular partnership last season and should be able to build on that this year. Count on Super Jan and Toby starting the lion’s share of matches for Spurs in central defense all season long.

Next: 4. Christian Eriksen's place is at risk

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