Here’s five things we learned from Palace’s 1-0 defeat by Tottenham.

Benteke’s injury is good for him –

No-one wishes injury upon any player but Benteke’s spell on the side-line has proved to the Palace faithful what they are missing. He wasn’t in the best of form when he was fit earlier this season and got made the scapegoat by many, but there is more to his game than that. His hold up play, his physical presence, and of course the occasional wonder-goal are missed. Ayew doesn’t have the same qualities as the big Belgian and I’m sure if you’d aske Zaha or Townsend they’d want next to them they’d opt for the former Liverpool man every time.

Townsend deserves some limelight –

In Zaha’s absence Townsend was handed the baton of chief playmaker/threat/goal-scorer. Despite not getting on the scoresheet he was Palace’s only ray of light in the attacking third. Always prepared to take a player on, and always (sometimes too often) prepared to have a go from distance. He carried the burden well and tirelessly ran the corners. Often overlooked when Zaha is on the pitch, but in Townsend Palace have a real menace.

READ: Player ratings from Palace's 1-0 defeat by Tottenham

Tomkins and Sakho defensive delight –

After last week’s 3-1 defeat at Chelsea questions were asked over the defensive duo, but today they answered those critics, myself one of them. Back to their organised-selves, Kane, Alli, Lamela and Moura never had any real opportunities and that was down to the big back two. A great block from Sakho in the first half capped a fine display from the badly haired centre half. Up until Tomkins left the field due to injury, Tottenham were kept at arms-length.

Wan-Bissaka deserves the praise –

Vultures are circling the right back, and after another performances you can see why the leagues big hitters are eye-ing a January move. Often praise is dished out to any young talent in this country but the 20-year-old keeps on delivering. Never phased and very seldom beaten in a one-on-one, he has the makings of a ‘top top’ player.

READ: Crystal Palace 0-1Tottenham Hotspur : Match Report

Atmosphere poured down at Selhurst Park –

In the lashing afternoon rain the ponchos in the front few rows around Selhurst Park never stopped singing. Much has been made of the ‘missing’ Holmesdale Fanatics but against Tottenham the atmosphere was electric from the first to the last. At times, it was deafening and made for a thrilling spectacle even if the game didn’t!