Wanyama marks home debut with Tottenham winner

Victor Wanyama's late goal ended Tottenham Hotspur's five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane to extend their London rivals' away-day woes.

Spurs had not tasted victory since the 4-0 win over Stoke City in April at the bet365 Stadium - the same ground where Palace last won on their travels in the league in December 2015.

But Wanyama marked his home debut in fine style with a close-range header to seal the points for Mauricio Pochettino's men.

Vincent Janssen made his first start for Tottenham, and he missed a number of great chances as he sought his maiden goal in English football.

Alan Pardew's visitors had won at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup last season, but rarely troubled Michel Vorm, standing in for injured captain Hugo Lloris, in the Spurs goal.

It appeared as if Palace would hold on for a point despite their lack of attacking threat, only for Wanyama to capitalise on some poor marking and settle the contest eight minutes from time.

The match came too soon for Pardew to call on club-record signing Christian Benteke, whose arrival was confirmed just hours before kick-off, but the visitors managed the first attempt on goal as Jason Puncheon saw an early thumping effort saved.

Spurs ramped up the pressure in response but were frustrated as Toby Alderweireld's powerful header and Harry Kane's angled drive both flew straight at Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Another Tottenham chance went begging when Wanyama nodded over from a corner, but their best opening came in the 27th minute as Janssen was twice denied from close range by the scrambling Hennessey, having profited from the rebound of Kane's deflected strike.

Kane then flashed wide of the post late in a half in which Palace were lucky to survive having been second best for long periods.

England forward Kane had the first notable opportunity of the second period but only succeeded in steering Eric Dier's measured cross narrowly wide.

Palace went close to breaking the deadlock in the 61st minute as substitute Yohan Cabaye's first-time effort was deflected over.

Janssen then spectacularly missed after being sent through on goal, this time beating Hennessey but scuffing his shot way off target.

The Netherlands international saw another chance diverted behind after Dele Alli had fired over but Wanyama atoned for his team-mates' profligacy from the subsequent corner, flicking Kane's header into the net to clinch a first win of the season for Spurs.

Danny Murphy suggests Liverpool need a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been erratic this season, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris is one of the best in the Premier League.

Danny Murphy suggested on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT on Monday morning (December 21) that Liverpool need a player of the same class as Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Simon Mignolet is the first-choice Liverpool goalkeeper at the moment, while Adam Bogdan is his deputy.

"Let’s not beat around the bush," said former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Murphy. "Let’s not be diplomatic. Mignolet or Bogdan are not good enough.

"Lloris helped Tottenham get that win (against Southampton on Saturday) and I have seen that so many times. He is a fantastic goalkeeper who makes very good saves at the right time. Liverpool don’t have that."

Lloris is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and is arguably the only world-class player in the current Tottenham squad.

The France international has been in good form for Spurs so far this season and has played a key role in their challenge for a top-four finish in the league.

Garth Crooks admits concern over Tottenham's Hugo Lloris, raves about wonderkid Dele Alli

Tottenham beat Southampton 2-0 on Saturday, earning praise from Garth Crooks in the process.

Pundit Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he has been concerned about Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, whilst praising Dele Alli.

After a shock home defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, Spurs bounced back with an impressive, comfortable win over Southampton on Saturday.

Goals from Harry Kane and Dele Alli handed Spurs all three points, taking them into fourth place in the Premier League table, with Mauricio Pochettino's men recovering from that Newcastle loss in real style.

The result handed goalkeeper Lloris and midfielder Alli a place in Garth Crooks' Team of the Week on BBC Sport, with the ex-Tottenham striker analysing his former club.

Crooks was hugely impressed with the performance of French goalkeeper Lloris, but admitted that he has been concerned with his displays of late, blaming him for a number of goals recently conceded by Tottenham.

"I have always had an enormous regard for Hugo Lloris but I have had some concerns recently," said Crooks. "Against Arsenal I held him responsible for their equaliser and again, against Newcastle, Thierry Henry spotted - and quite rightly - that Lloris had difficulty staying upright when under siege in the six-yard area."

"However, against Southampton he was back to his best showing no signs of insecurity with a fine save from Sadio Mane. But his save from James Ward-Prowse was so fantastic, even Jan Vertonghen gave him a hug to congratulate him. Good win - excellent clean sheet," he continued.

Crooks also raved about teenage wonderkid Alli, whose goal against Southampton was his fourth of a remarkable Premier League campaign.

The former MK Dons star has become an England international already this term, and Crooks hopes he keeps the same hard-working mentality, suggesting that Tottenham can qualify for the Champions League if their players remain focused.