Tottenham Hotspur have found renewed momentum in the Premier League, climbing to eighth in the standings following a series of three consecutive wins. Key to their recent success has been an unexpected contribution from the defensive line, both in preventing goals and scoring them.

The latest victory came against Crystal Palace, with defenders Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke each scoring crucial goals. This attacking output from the back has been notable, as Tottenham’s Premier League goals this season include two from strikers, three from midfielders, and four from defenders. Van Hecke, the Dutch centre-back, leads the team in scoring with two goals.

Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky highlighted Van Hecke’s drive and hunger as factors behind his goal-scoring exploits. “JP definitely has quality in all aspects of the game, but what I really like about him is that he has the hunger,” Kinsky said. “That’s why he has scored these goals — because he goes for it. He showed us that in this game.” Kinsky also emphasized the team’s long-term expectations for strikers and wingers to lead on goals but acknowledged the defenders’ current impact.

Defensively, Tottenham have also improved stability at the back, with Kinsky pointing to a developing partnership between Van Hecke and fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven. The goalkeeper described their collaboration as a “triangle of trust” that has helped establish a more solid platform for the team’s recent performances. “The relationship with JP is great. We get on very well,” Kinsky said. He added that the trio’s communication and shared tactical understanding have grown significantly through training sessions and match experience, citing a recent strong defensive display against Chelsea as evidence of their cohesion.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s difficulties continue amid a challenging run of results. The Eagles slipped into the Premier League’s relegation zone following their defeat to Tottenham, compounded by an early red card for Jean-Philippe Mateta just 13 minutes into the game. The sending-off limited Palace’s chances, intensifying pressure on French manager Pierre Sage as he seeks to improve the club’s fortunes.

Sage faces a critical period with two upcoming home fixtures — against Hoffenheim in the Europa League and Liverpool in the Premier League — offering a chance to regain support from the fans before the next international break.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson acknowledged the team’s resilience despite the setback. “It’s difficult when you have a sending-off so early, but the lads showed great fight to stay in the game for as long as we did,” Henderson said. “It’s a shame we couldn’t get an opportunity and score, but we showed great personality. We stuck together — and a win is around the corner.”