By Russell Edge

5th Nov, 2017 | 7:28pm

Graham Roberts lauds Tottenham duo, names surprise man of the match v Crystal Palace

By Russell Edge

Tottenham icon Graham Roberts has paid credit to both goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga and centre back Jan Vertonghen for their performances in the win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

A second half Heung-min Son strike, expertly curled though a crowded penalty box and past an outstretched Julian Speroni, was enough for the Lilywhites to secure three points against a dogged Palace side who remain rooted to the foot of the table after just one win and one draw this season.

There were several performances of note from the Spurs players, including shot stopper Gazzaniga who was making his debut after injury ruled both regular first choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and understudy Michel Vorm out of the match at Wembley.

However, while the Argentinian was named man of the match by BT Sports, Roberts surprisingly went for centre back Jan Vertonghen, who many would claim had a quiet game in comparison to his team mates, including defensive partner Eric Dier.

The former Spurs defender wrote on his personal Twitter account: “One of them days I don’t care how we played had to win long week a cleansheet and keeper done excellent. @JanVertonghen my man of the match”

The 30-year-old Belgian defender has appeared in every minute of the club’s 11 league fixtures this season, with a total of 15 appearances for the Lilywhites this season.

Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that he comes back fully fit after international duty after suffering a spate of injury blows over the last week, with Vertonghen’s defensive counterpart for both club and country Toby Alderweireld out after picking up a hamstring injury against Real Madrid.

In other Tottenham news, Pochettino has delivered a worrying update on the fitness of one of their star men.

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