Two Spurs stars who were outstanding in key areas v Crystal Palace

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Ryan Mason and Federico Fazio provided hope for Tottenham Hotspur at Crystal Palace yesterday afternoon.

Tottenham’s problems right now are such that their weaknesses can be found in their strengths…

Indeed, two of their best statistical performers yesterday were Ryan Mason and Federico Fazio.

The Spurs duo did not impress by scoring goals or registering assists, however, they did it by winning a high number of interceptions and tackles. Hardly surprising for a 0-0 draw.

Against Crystal Palace, midfielder Mason won the second-highest amount of tackles of any Premier League player on Saturday.

That statistic clearly shows what Mason is best at. He offers a solid work rate and doesn’t shy away from challenges. And his dedication has been absolutely unquestionable since he was promoted to the Spurs first team.

Fazio, meanwhile, won the highest number of interceptions of any Premier League player on Saturday. Again, that stat shows the Tottenham defender excels at reading the game and did so highly effectively against Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old also made the joint-third highest amount of clearances of any defender…

And that’s the thing for Spurs right now. Both statistics should be a source of pride and can show Tottenham where they are going right. If every member of the north London side’s squad can replicate the willingness of Mason & Fazio right now, boss Mauricio Pochettino would be celebrating a clean sheet most weeks.

But where Tottenham have their most obvious problems is the other end of the pitch – which is saying something considering how bad some of their defensive players have been this season, Fazio and Mason aside.