The match at Molineux could become a defining moment in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League narrative. Facing a four‑point gap to West Ham, the Spurs managed to edge a narrow victory thanks to a close‑range finish by João Palhinha, who tapped the ball home against Wolverhampton Wanderers. This win not only marked Roberto De Zerbi's first triumph in charge but also represented Tottenham's inaugural three points of the 2026 campaign. However, the success came with a price: forward Dominic Solanke sustained a muscle strain, and the club will be awaiting medical scans on Xavi Simons, who was forced off with a knee issue.
Both injuries add to an already growing list of setbacks for the north London side. De Zerbi, often touted as a potential saviour for a club in turmoil, has repeatedly emphasized that the ultimate destiny of Tottenham will be decided on the pitch by the players, not by managerial tactics.
The recent loss of key figures such as centre‑back Cristian Romero and midfielder Mohammed Kudus has only heightened the pressure on the squad. After the game, the Italian manager tried to keep a positive tone, highlighting the promising cameo of Mathys Tel off the bench and praising the effort of Randal Kolo Muani, who has struggled for consistency. De Zerbi believes that a shift in mindset, rather than a tactical overhaul, will be the catalyst for a sustained turnaround. "I hope this result can change something in our heads, in our mentality," he said, acknowledging that the performance at Molineux was far from flawless.
Tottenham moved the ball sluggishly, appeared tentative in the first half and showed signs of brittleness after the break. Yet, the three points could serve as a psychological springboard, a moment for the players to believe that they can compete with the league's stronger sides. The challenge now is to translate that belief into consistent performances week after week. Meanwhile, Arsenal enjoyed a hard‑earned win over Newcastle United, with the highlight being the impact of Bukayo Saka, who entered the fray in the 81st minute and immediately altered the dynamics on the pitch.
Within a minute of his introduction, Saka forced a deflected effort wide and continued to menace the Newcastle defence during a tense closing period. This was his first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his sharpness suggested that he had returned from his injury lay‑off in good condition. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster, stating, "Great.
I think he had a very good impact in the minutes that he played. He looks sharp, he looks good, he looks fresh. You certainly notice something different in the team, in the stadium as well, when he comes in, so we certainly need that." Arteta also hinted at a minor "niggle" that forced Kai Havertz off earlier in the match, expressing optimism that the German's issue was not serious.
Saka's return, therefore, not only bolstered Arsenal's attack but also provided a comforting buffer against any potential concerns regarding Havertz's fitness. Further up the table, Nottingham Forest continued their resurgence with a commanding 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland, marking back‑to‑back statement wins. The Forest have now found the net nine times across two fixtures, propelling them away from the relegation battle.
Under the guidance of manager Eduardo Pereira, the team has adopted a bold, attacking philosophy that feels almost rebellious in a league where many clubs adopt a cautious approach, especially away from home. Pereira's decision to start two strikers—Chris Wood and Igor Jesus—on the road at the Stadium of Light was a nostalgic nod to traditional English tactics and paid dividends as Forest pressed relentlessly, overwhelming Sunderland's defence. Pereira's willingness to double‑down on aggression contrasts sharply with the more defensive mindset that characterised the club under former boss Sean Dyche.
The shift has revitalised the squad, with players displaying confidence, intensity and a collective belief that they can compete against any opposition. This newfound freedom has been reflected not just in the scores but in the overall quality of play, as Forest now appears unshackled and eager to express themselves. West Ham United, fighting to secure their Premier League status, can attribute much of their recent resilience to the influence of former manager David Moyes.
Moyes was responsible for bringing both Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen to the London Stadium, players who have become pivotal in the club's battle for survival. Their contributions were evident in a dramatic 2‑1 home victory over Everton, a result that kept West Ham two points ahead of Tottenham in the relegation zone. Soucek opened the scoring from a Bowen corner, and later, his quick reflexes diverted a Thierno Barry attempt onto the post, preserving the lead with just twelve minutes remaining.
Everton managed to equalise with four minutes left, but West Ham's captain, Bowen, set up Callum Wilson for a stoppage‑time winner that could prove decisive in the club's quest to stay up. Manager David Moyes, now long departed, was praised by current boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who said, "I think David left a legacy here at the club. He brought success, he brought trophies.
And he did it with Jarrod, with Tomas and some more that are still here in the squad." In the north, Liverpool secured a vital win over Crystal Palace, though the match was somewhat eclipsed by the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Mohamed Salah. The highlight for the Reds was Alexander Isak's first Premier League goal at Anfield, a strike that came after a mis‑controlled shot from Alexis Mac Allister.
Isak calmly slotted the ball over Dean Henderson, showcasing the kind of composure that Liverpool have missed for much of the season. Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on the goal, asking rhetorically, "Did anyone ever think we would say this eight or nine months ago?" He noted that Liverpool have often created better chances than they have finished, underscoring the importance of having a clinical finisher like Isak to convert opportunities into points. The victory brings Liverpool closer to a Champions League qualification spot, a crucial objective in a campaign that has otherwise been marked by a lack of silverware.
Across the south, Fulham, under Marco Silva, have struggled to find consistency, winning only four of their last twenty matches in April and May. Their recent 2‑1 win over Aston Villa, however, provided a glimmer of hope. Silva dismissed criticism that his players were "on the beach" during the latter stages of the season, defending his side's work‑rate and determination.
While creativity remains a challenge for the Cottagers, their solid defensive approach could be enough to secure a place in European competition, especially with a relatively favourable run‑in that includes matches against relegated Wolves and out‑of‑form Newcastle. Overall, the Premier League landscape remains fluid, with teams like Tottenham, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Liverpool and Fulham all vying for different objectives—whether it's a turnaround in form, a push for European spots, or a fight for survival. Injuries, managerial philosophies and moments of individual brilliance continue to shape the narrative as the season approaches its climax.