Joao Palhinha scores late as Tottenham beat Wolves 1-0, ending their winless run and boosting Premier League survival hopes.
Tottenham Hotspur kept their faint Premier League survival hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Joao Palhinha’s late goal secured a crucial three points at Molineux. The result ended Spurs’ long winless run but left them still inside the relegation zone.
The visitors began with urgency but struggled to create clear chances early on. Despite enjoying close to 70 percent possession in the first half, Tottenham lacked quality in the final third. Wolves, already relegated, looked organised and focused on frustrating their opponents.
Spurs’ best early openings came from set-pieces and long-range efforts. Rodrigo Bentancur forced a solid save from Jose Sa with a header. However, clear chances were limited as both sides lacked precision in the attacking areas.
The first half took another blow for Tottenham when Dominic Solanke limped off injured. That disruption further slowed their attacking rhythm. Wolves, meanwhile, threatened sporadically but did not test the goalkeeper consistently.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Tottenham controlling possession but struggling to break through. Xavi Simons came close after a clever run but fired over from inside the box. Moments later, he was forced off with a knee injury, compounding Spurs’ problems.
Wolves grew slightly into the game as the half progressed. Mateus Mane headed over, while Joao Gomes remained a threat from distance. Still, clear-cut chances were rare, and the match drifted toward a tense conclusion.
Tottenham managed just two shots on target throughout the game. Their expected goals stood at approximately 0.92, reflecting their struggles in attack. Wolves registered fewer efforts but looked dangerous on the break at times.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 82nd minute from a set-piece. Pedro Porro’s corner caused confusion in the Wolves box. Richarlison’s scuffed effort fell kindly to Joao Palhinha at the back post, and he poked home from close range.
It was a scrappy goal, but it carried immense significance for Spurs. The away supporters erupted, knowing how vital the moment could be in their survival bid. Tottenham then had to withstand late pressure to secure the win.
Deep into stoppage time, Antonin Kinsky produced a crucial save to deny Joao Gomes’ free kick. That moment ensured Spurs kept their first clean sheet in 15 matches.
Palhinha was the match-winner, but Kinsky’s late save proved just as important. Bentancur impressed in midfield with his energy and passing. For Wolves, Gomes and Andre showed flashes of quality despite the defeat. The match lacked fluid attacking play, but Tottenham showed resilience. Their ability to grind out a result could prove decisive in the final weeks. However, injuries to Solanke and Simons remain a concern.
Tottenham dominated possession with around 60 percent. They recorded 11 total shots, with only two on target. Wolves managed 11 attempts but tested Spurs late in the game.
Tottenham face a crucial run of fixtures, starting with a trip to Aston Villa. They then host Leeds in another key clash. Wolves return home to face Sunderland before traveling to Brighton. Spurs remain two points from safety with four games left. This win keeps their hopes alive, but they will need more consistency to survive.
