Archie Gray Strike Caps Spurs’ Strong 2025 Finish as Gruelling January Test Looms

Tottenham Hotspur wrapped up 2025 on a positive note as Archie Gray’s first senior goal sealed a hard-fought win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Thomas Frank’s men were second best in possession against Palace, with both sides arriving on the back of extended winless runs, but Spurs proved far more clinical. Richarlison had an effort chalked off for offside before redeeming himself by supplying the cross for Gray, who powered home a header just before the interval. The Brazilian forward later thought he had doubled the lead, only for VAR to deny him again for offside.

With that result, attention now turns to Tottenham’s upcoming schedule, as football.london compares their fixtures with those of clubs expected to rival them for European places.

Spurs’ next five matches

Brentford (A) – January 1, 2026 – Premier League

Sunderland (H) – January 4, 2026 – Premier League

Bournemouth (A) – January 7, 2026 – Premier League

Aston Villa (H) – January 10, 2026 – FA Cup third round

West Ham (H) – January 17, 2026 – Premier League

A demanding run awaits Spurs, with games coming every three days, starting on New Year’s Day away to Frank’s former side Brentford. Sunderland are shaping up as direct competitors for European qualification, while Bournemouth have already shown they can trouble top teams this season.

The FA Cup tie against Aston Villa will also test Frank’s priorities, as he weighs the value of a potential trophy run. To round things off, anything less than three points against a struggling West Ham side would be viewed as unacceptable.