The match at Molineux offered Tottenham a gritty, potentially historic Premier League win that could serve as a turning point for the club. Facing a four‑point gap to West Ham, the North London side finally broke their winless streak under Roberto De Zerbi when João Palhinha seized a close‑range opportunity to put Spurs ahead against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That solitary goal secured three vital points – not only De Zerbi's first triumph but also Tottenham's inaugural victory of the 2026 calendar year. The win, however, came with a cost.
Forward Dominic Solanke left the pitch with a muscle strain, and the club will soon receive scans on Xavi Simons, whose knee problem forced an early substitution. Both injuries add to a growing list of absences that could hamper the team's progress. De Zerbi, often touted as a potential saviour for Tottenham, has repeatedly warned that the ultimate fate of the club will be decided by the players on the field, not by the manager's tactics. He has already seen key figures such as Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus depart, leaving gaps that need to be filled quickly.
After the game, the Italian coach tried to put a positive spin on the situation, praising Mathys Tel for his impact off the bench and urging Randal Kolo Muani to raise his level. De Zerbi believes the psychological boost from the victory could be more decisive than any tactical adjustment.
"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 at a snail's pace, appeared tentative, and showed signs of fragility in the second half.
Yet, the three points may act as a catalyst for a broader turnaround, provided the squad can build on the confidence gained. Across the league, Arsenal enjoyed a hard‑fought win over Newcastle United, a result that was further brightened by the late cameo of Bukayo Saka. The 24‑year‑old entered the match in the 81st minute and immediately injected energy into the Gunners' attack.
Within a minute of his arrival, he forced a deflected shot wide and continued to menace the Newcastle defence during a nervy final stretch. This appearance marked Saka's first since the Carabao Cup final, and his sharpness suggested a swift recovery from his recent injury layoff.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, praised Saka's impact, 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 manager also noted a minor concern for Kai Havertz, whose departure from the field was described as a "niggle" rather than a serious issue. Arteta remains hopeful that Havertz's problem will not linger, while Saka's return provides a reassuring buffer. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest continued their resurgence with a dominant 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland, delivering back‑to‑back statement victories and taking their goal tally to nine across two games.
Under the guidance of manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have adopted a bold, attacking philosophy that feels almost rebellious in a league where many clubs opt for caution, especially away from home. The decision to field two strikers – Chris Wood and Igor Jesus – at the Stadium of Light harkened back to a more traditional, high‑risk approach. The gamble paid off handsomely as Forest pressed relentlessly, overwhelming Sunderland's defensive structure. Lewis Jones observed that Forest's newfound freedom and aggression stand in stark contrast to the fear‑driven tactics of former manager Sean Dyche.
The team's willingness to double down on intensity has revitalised their season and positioned them well above the relegation zone. In the battle for survival, West Ham United can credit former manager David Moyes for laying a foundation that continues to bear fruit.
Moyes was responsible for bringing Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen to the club, both of whom have been instrumental in the Hammers' fight to stay up. 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 relegation scramble. Soucek opened the scoring from a Bowen corner, while later in the game he cleared a dangerous Thierno Barry attempt onto the bar, preserving the lead with twelve minutes remaining.
Everton equalised late, but captain Declan Rice set up Callum Wilson for a last‑minute winner that may prove decisive in West Ham's quest for survival. Nuno, the current West Ham boss, paid tribute to 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." This acknowledgment underscores how past recruitment decisions continue to shape the club's fortunes.
Liverpool's recent victory over Crystal Palace was marred by Mo Salah's injury, yet it also featured a long‑awaited Premier League goal for new signing Alexander Isak at Anfield. Head coach Arne Slot expressed surprise at the timing, asking, "Did anyone ever think we would say this eight or nine months ago?" Isak's first‑half strike came after he controlled a wayward shot from Alexis Mac Allister and flicked the ball over Dean Henderson. Slot highlighted that Liverpool have often created better chances than they have finished, emphasizing the importance of having a striker capable of converting opportunities into goals. The win brings Liverpool closer to a Champions League qualification spot, a crucial objective after a season that has so far been devoid of trophies.
Despite Palace outshooting Liverpool and boasting a higher expected‑goals (xG) figure, Liverpool's clinical edge proved decisive. Slot reflected on the season's misfortune, noting, "The bad luck we've had many times this season, usually it ends up in us dropping points but not today." In the south, Fulham have struggled to find consistency under Marco Silva, securing only five wins from 21 matches in the closing months of the season. Their recent 1‑0 victory over Aston Villa, however, offered a glimmer of hope.
Silva rejected criticism that his players were "on the beach" during the winter, insisting that the team displayed determination and work‑rate. While creativity remains scarce, Fulham's solid defensive approach could be enough to secure a European place, especially with a favourable run‑in that includes matches against relegated Wolves, out‑of‑form Newcastle, and occasional clashes with Arsenal and Bournemouth.
The club hopes to recapture the spirit of their memorable Europa League run under Roy Hodgson in 2009/10. Overall, the Premier League landscape continues to evolve, with each club navigating injuries, tactical shifts, and the relentless pressure of the league's competitive environment.
Whether Tottenham can transform their narrow win into sustained momentum, Arsenal can maintain Saka's resurgence, or West Ham can cling to Moyes' legacy, the season remains wide open and full of intrigue.