The match at Molineux could end up being remembered as a pivotal moment in Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League campaign. Facing a four‑point gap to West Ham, the North London side managed to claw back a win thanks to a gritty goal from João Palhinha, who slipped the ball home from close range to seal a 1‑0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. While the win was a relief – it was the first triumph under Roberto De Zerbi and the first of the 2026 calendar year for Spurs – it came with a price. Forward Dominic Solanke left the pitch with a muscle strain, and the club will also be awaiting scan results on Xavi Simons, who was forced off with a knee issue.
Both injuries add to a growing list of absences that have plagued De Zerbi’s side. De Zerbi, often touted as a potential saviour for a club that has struggled in recent seasons, has repeatedly reminded everyone that the ultimate fate of Tottenham will be decided on the pitch by the players, not by the manager’s tactics alone. He has already seen key figures such as Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus depart, and the squad’s depth is being tested. After the game, the Italian coach tried to keep a positive tone, praising the impact of Mathys Tel, who came off the bench and showed promise, and urging Randal Kolo Muani to raise his level.
De Zerbi believes that a shift in confidence, rather than a tactical overhaul, will be the catalyst that turns Spurs’ fortunes around. "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 too slowly, appeared tentative and became brittle after the break. Nevertheless, the three points could act as a psychological springboard if the team can build on the win and tighten up their approach in the coming weeks. Across the capital, Arsenal enjoyed a different kind of uplift. After a hard‑fought victory over Newcastle United, the Gunners could take heart from the late cameo of Bukayo Saka.
The 24‑year‑old was introduced in the 81st minute and immediately injected energy into the side, firing a deflected shot wide within a minute of coming on and continuing to press the opposition during a tense closing period. This was Saka’s first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his quick impact suggested that he had returned from his injury lay‑off in good form. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster, 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 return, however, coincided with a minor setback for Kai Havertz, who was forced off with a small "niggle".
Arteta expressed optimism that Havertz’s issue was not serious, and Saka’s presence could help mitigate any temporary loss of creativity. Further down the table, Nottingham Forest continued their resurgence with a dominant 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland, marking their second consecutive statement win. The victory pushed their goal tally to nine across two games and saw them comfortably distancing themselves from the relegation battle. Under the guidance of manager Philippe Pereira, Forest have adopted an aggressive, forward‑leaning philosophy that feels almost rebellious in a league where many clubs opt for caution, especially on the road.
Pereira’s decision to start two strikers – Chris Wood and Igor Jesus – in an away fixture harked back to more traditional attacking setups and paid dividends as Forest pressed relentlessly, leaving Sunderland unable to cope with the intensity. Pereira’s approach contrasts sharply with the defensive, risk‑averse style often associated with former Forest boss Sean Dyche.
By doubling down on aggression, the team has rediscovered a sense of freedom and purpose, something that fans and pundits alike have described as “unshackled”. This newfound confidence could prove crucial as the season draws to a close. In London, West Ham United’s survival hopes have been bolstered by the legacy left by former manager David Moyes. Moyes was responsible for bringing Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen to the club, both of whom have become pivotal figures in the Hammers’ fight against relegation.
Their contributions were evident in a dramatic 2‑1 home win over Everton, a result that kept West Ham two points ahead of Tottenham in the bottom‑four. Soucek headed the opening goal from a Bowen corner, then later cleared a dangerous strike from Thierno Barry onto the bar, preserving the lead. When Everton equalised late on, West Ham captain Declan Rice set up Callum Wilson for an injury‑time winner that may prove decisive in the club’s bid to stay up. West Ham boss David Moyes was quick to acknowledge the impact of his predecessor, 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." The sentiment underscores how recruitment decisions made years ago can still shape a club’s fortunes. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s season has been a mixture of highs and lows. Mo Salah’s injury cast a shadow over a crucial win against Crystal Palace, but the match also delivered a long‑awaited Premier League goal for new signing Alexander Isak.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot marveled at the striker’s first‑half finish, noting that Isak controlled a wayward shot from Alexis Mac Allister and redirected it over Dean Henderson. Slot highlighted the rarity of such clinical finishing 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 tantalising prospect after a trophy‑less campaign. Palace, however, enjoyed more possession, more shots and a higher expected‑goals (xG) figure, underscoring the fine margins that have defined Liverpool’s season. Further south, Fulham have struggled under Marco Silva, winning only five of 21 matches in April and May.
Their first win in three games came against Aston Villa, a hard‑earned 1‑0 result that provided a much‑needed boost to their European ambitions. Silva dismissed criticism that his side looked “on the beach” during the season, insisting that his players had shown determination and work‑rate. While creativity remains an issue for the Cottagers, a favourable run‑in that includes games against relegated Wolves and out‑of‑form Newcastle could give them a chance to finish the season on a high note, perhaps evoking memories of their impressive Europa League run under Roy Hodgson in 2009‑10. Overall, the weekend’s action highlighted the fine line between triumph and disappointment across the Premier League.
From Spurs seeking a mental shift, to Arsenal’s rejuvenated attack, Forest’s aggressive resurgence, West Ham’s legacy‑driven survival push, Liverpool’s quest for European football, and Fulham’s fight for consistency, each club’s narrative continues to evolve as the season reaches its climax.