The match at Molineux could end up being remembered as a pivotal moment in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League campaign. Trailing West Ham by four points, the North London club finally broke their winless streak under Roberto De Zerbi when João Palhinha seized a loose ball inside the box and tapped it home to clinch a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Those three points were not only De Zerbi's first triumph as manager but also Tottenham's inaugural win of the 2026 calendar year.
The celebration, however, was tempered by a setback: Dominic Solanke left the pitch with a muscle strain, and the club are still awaiting the results of scans on Xavi Simons, who was forced off with a knee issue. Both injuries add to a growing list of absences that have plagued the squad. De Zerbi is frequently labelled as a potential saviour for a team that has struggled to find consistency, yet he repeatedly stresses that the ultimate destiny of the club will be decided on the pitch by the players, not by tactics or managerial acumen. The recent loss of key figures such as Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus has only heightened the pressure on the remaining squad members.
After the game, the Italian manager tried to keep a positive tone, pointing to the promising cameo of Mathys Tel, who made an impact off the bench, and praising the effort of Randal Kolo Muani, whose work rate has improved. De Zerbi believes that a shift in confidence, rather than a tactical overhaul, will be the catalyst that turns Tottenham's fortunes around. "I hope this result can change something in our heads, in our mentality," he said, acknowledging that the performance at Molineux was still far from flawless. The team moved the ball sluggishly, appeared tentative in possession and showed signs of fragility in the second half.
Nevertheless, the win provides a foundation on which to build, and De Zerbi hopes it will spark a mental reset for the squad. Meanwhile, Arsenal enjoyed a hard‑fought win over Newcastle United, a result that was bolstered by the late introduction of Bukayo Saka. The 24‑year‑old entered the fray in the 81st minute and immediately injected a fresh spark into the Gunners' attack. Within a minute of coming on, he unleashed a deflected shot that forced a save, and he continued to menace the Newcastle defence as the match drew to a close.
This was Saka's first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his performance suggested that he had returned to full fitness and confidence. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the impact of his star winger, saying, "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." The timing of Saka's comeback, however, coincided with a minor injury to Kai Havertz, which Artetta described as a "niggle" and hoped would not develop into a serious problem. Saka's presence, therefore, offers a reassuring buffer while the German forward recovers. In the Championship, Nottingham Forest continued their resurgence with a commanding 5-0 demolition of Sunderland, marking their second consecutive statement win.
The victory pushed their goal tally to nine across two games and cemented their position well clear of the relegation zone. Under the guidance of manager Philippe Pereira, Forest have adopted an aggressive, forward‑thinking philosophy that defies the typical cautious approach seen in the lower tiers of English football.
Pereira's decision to field two strikers, Chris Wood and Igor Jesus, on the road against Sunderland was a bold throwback to more traditional attacking formations, and it paid off handsomely as the team pressed relentlessly, leaving the opposition unable to cope with the intensity. Pereira's willingness to embrace risk contrasts sharply with the defensive mindset that characterised the club under former boss Sean Dyche.
The shift has re‑energised the squad and delighted supporters, who now see a side playing with freedom and purpose rather than merely trying to avoid defeat. West Ham United, fighting to stay clear of the relegation battle, can also credit the legacy of former manager David Moyes.
Moyes was responsible for recruiting both Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, players who have become integral to the Hammers' survival hopes. Their contributions were evident in a dramatic 2-1 home win over Everton, a match that kept West Ham two points ahead of Tottenham in the bottom‑half scramble.
Soucek headed the opening goal from a Bowen corner, while later in the game he inadvertently deflected Thierno Barry's near‑goal onto the post, preserving the lead. Although Everton equalised in the dying minutes, West Ham's captain set up Callum Wilson for a stoppage‑time winner that could prove decisive in the club's quest to remain in the Premier League. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised the influence of Moyes, stating, "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." Liverpool's recent win over Crystal Palace was overshadowed by the lingering injury concerns surrounding Mohamed Salah. Yet the match also delivered a long‑awaited Premier League goal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who netted his first at Anfield.
Head coach Arne Slot marveled at the strike, noting how Isak calmly controlled a wayward shot from Alexis Mac Allister and redirected it over Dean Henderson. Slot highlighted the importance of having a forward capable of converting the few quality chances Liverpool have created this season, saying, "Many times this season we've had better chances than we had today.
That's why it's also important to have players that can also score goals like this, because that can give you a big lift." The victory nudged Liverpool closer to a Champions League qualification spot, a crucial objective after a season that has otherwise been devoid of silverware. Palace, despite dominating possession, generating more shots and boasting a higher expected‑goals figure, were unable to capitalise on their opportunities, underscoring the fine margins that have defined Liverpool's campaign.
Finally, Fulham under Marco Silva have struggled to find consistency, winning only five of their last 21 matches across April and May. Their recent 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa, however, provided a much‑needed morale boost.
Silva dismissed criticism that his side had been "on the beach" during the latter stages of the season, insisting that the players displayed determination and work‑rate. While creativity remains scarce, the Cottagers' disciplined approach could be sufficient to secure a place in European competition, especially as they face a run‑in that includes relegated Wolves and an out‑of‑form Newcastle, alongside Arsenal and Bournemouth. Overall, the weekend's fixtures delivered a mixture of drama, tactical experimentation and individual brilliance, each storyline contributing to the evolving narratives of clubs battling for survival, European spots, or simply a return to form.