A tumultuous period in North London had seen Thomas Frank replaced by Igor Tudor, but two losses in the latter's first two league games hadn't inspired confidence for the Spurs faithful.
No Premier League wins since December
Whilst the Lilywhites' malaise significantly pre-dates the Croatian's temporary appointment, he was parachuted in with the brief to steer Tottenham up the table.
Given that Spurs hadn't won a Premier League game since they last played Palace at the end of December, it was self-evident that Tudor was always going to have a tough time of it.
Moreover, their home form has been pathetic throughout the 2025/26 campaign. They'd won only two of their 14 league games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, drawing four and losing eight.
In fact, Spurs had actually only won four of their last 28 home games, drawing seven and losing 17, so the players had hardly made the place a fortress, where away teams would fear to come.
Top scorer Richarlison left on the bench
They had only lost one of their last 17 home league games in the month of March, however (W13, D3), winning six of the last seven (D1) since a 2-3 loss to Wolves in 2020. If nothing else, omens always take on more significance for football fans looking for something to hang onto.
Top scorer, Richarlison, was left on the bench by Tudor, who made four changes from the starting XI that faced Fulham in their last game.
Crystal Palace might have managerial problems of their own, with Oliver Glasner not holding back in his criticism of the club of late, but they at least had a squad that was still giving their all for the man in the dugout - something that's been sorely missing at Spurs for a while now.
Indeed, it was the Eagles that took the initiative from the first whistle, with Adam Wharton having a shot on target after just 46 seconds.
Palace seize the initiative
At 19 years and 262 days old, Souza became the 34th different teenager to make their first Premier League start with Tottenham, but he was quickly in the book for a reckless challenge. Hardly the best beginning to the game for the youngster, given it meant he'd need to rein that exuberance in for the remaining 83 minutes of the match.
Palace's cause wasn't really helped either when Daniel Munoz had to be replaced before 15 minutes were on the clock, though it was the visitors who were well on top during that period. An astonishing 78% collective possession already had the boo-boys in full voice around the stadium.
Chadi Riad, Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot were all posting individual figures above 90%, and the way in which they were passing the ball amongst themselves across the back line was a masterclass in keep-ball that consistently frustrated the Spurs attack.
Without Cristian Romero to lead the hosts, they looked directionless, with only Mathys Tel offering anything like a reasonable attacking presence, even if both of his two early shots were off target.
Solanke on target to ease the pressure
When Archie Gray's trickery took him past multiple Palace defenders to set up Dominic Solanke for the opener just after the half hour, it could be said to be against the run of play, but the relief was palpable.
Palace hadn't won any of their last eight league games when conceding first (since a victory over Wolves on 20th May 2025), so the Eagles were effectively there for the taking.
Within three minutes, things began to unravel, however.
Micky van de Ven, so often a colossus at the back for Tottenham, allowed Ismaila Sarr to get on the wrong side and, by pulling him back, committed a professional foul and was rightly sent off.
Three quick goals shatter the hosts
In truth, the Dutchman hadn't been having one of his best games, making just one tackle in the time he was on the pitch, and Sarr exacted the ultimate punishment by sending Vicario the wrong way from the penalty spot; a goal that was from Palace's first shot on target since Wharton's effort in the opening minute.
Tudor's response was to make a double substitution, but just three minutes later, Wharton was again involved as his delightful through-ball found Jorgen Strand Larsen, and he fired the Eagles in front with his third goal in four appearances against Spurs.
Worse was to follow before the break when Wharton found Sarr, and as both of Tottenham's covering defenders stopped and Vicario failed to command his box, Sarr simply rolled home a third from Palace's fourth shot on target.
That was the 26th first-half goal that the hosts had conceded in 29 games, and only Burnley (32) has conceded more this season.
Mass exodus at half-time
A real lack of effort could be noticed from the Lilywhites, with Solanke attempting just four passes in the first half, and the third Palace goal sparked a mass early exodus from the stands, as fed-up fans made for the exits before the second half had even started.
The only Tottenham player emerging with any real credit was Joao Palhinha, who went on to complete five of his six one-on-one duels and won both of his aerial battles.
There was, at least, a little more purpose in the opening few minutes of the second half, though only one of Spurs' five shots was on target.
In truth, Palace were so comfortable, it was very uncomfortable viewing for the hosts, and Tudor's persistence with Solanke might well get questioned, too.
Liverpool and Forest up next for Spurs
Once the attacker was replaced by Richarlison, there were just 17 minutes to play, and yet the former had posted an embarrasing 12.5% pass completion stat, with only one of his eight passes in 73 minutes on the pitch finding its target.
In terms of any sort of creativity, Tel at least had nine dribbles on the night, though only four were successful; however, none of his teammates had more than two.
To put the current crisis in N17 into even more perspective, only Wolves (20) have lost more home Premier League games than Tottenham (19) since the start of last season, while Spurs have the fewest home points (31) of any ever-present side since the start of 2024/25.
Their next league fixture is away at Liverpool, followed by a home match against Nottingham Forest, and if results don't improve, the North Londoners could find themselves in the bottom three by the end of the month.
