Sissoko wins over Spurs fans

If there was a chant that Tottenham Hotspur supporters could scarcely have imagined hearing for much of the past two years, it was this. “Ohhh, Moussa Sissoko,” sang the Spurs fans, in reference to a player who was signed for a club-record £30 million fee in 2016 and was then ready to leave last year.

The lack of an acceptable offer was all that prevented his exit but, as he acknowledged the away fans after Saturday’s win, it was clear that something significant had changed. Sissoko has now played in all of Tottenham’s five most recent games, starting four.

“I hope now that when I don’t play him the fans won’t criticise me – things are now the opposite and he is a hero,” said manager Mauricio Pochettino. “By being honest, professional and always giving your best you can turn the opinion.”

Sissoko said he had tried to just ignore outside opinions, but he was clearly thrilled with the acclaim of fans. “It was very good,” he said.

Juan Foyth headed the winner, his first Tottenham goal since arriving from Estudiantes of Argentina last year. “When I was young, I always played centre-back, and I’d say ‘I’m Rio Ferdinand’,” he said.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson’s substitution of Max Meyer brought some boos. “He didn’t play very well,” said Hodgson. “He has been given a reputation as a wonder kid. I don’t think anyone watching can be so surprised I took him off.”