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 edge a win thanks to a gritty finish from João Palhinha, who slotted home from close range to clinch a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. While the three points marked Roberto De Zerbi's first triumph and the club's inaugural win of the 2026 calendar year, the victory came at a cost.
Forward Dominic Solanke left the pitch with a muscle strain, and the medical team will soon have to assess Xavi Simons' knee, which forced him off earlier in the game. These injuries add to the growing list of absences that have plagued the squad. De Zerbi is frequently touted as the potential saviour of a Tottenham side that has struggled to find consistency, but he has repeatedly reminded fans and the press that the ultimate decision about the club's future lies with the players, not the manager. The recent departures of key figures such as Cristian Romero and Mohammed Kudus have only heightened the pressure on the remaining squad members.
After the match, the Italian coach tried to keep a positive tone, highlighting the promising impact of Mathys Tel, who came off the bench, and praising the effort of Randal Kolo Muani. De Zerbi believes that a shift in confidence, rather than a tactical overhaul, will be the catalyst that turns the tide for Spurs. "I hope this result can change something in our head, in our mentality," he said, acknowledging that the performance at Molineux was far from flawless.
Tottenham moved the ball at a sluggish pace, appeared tentative in possession, and showed signs of fragility in the second half. Nevertheless, the win must be used as a springboard for a more sustained improvement, according to pundit Adam Bate.
Meanwhile, across the league, Arsenal found a spark in the form of Bukayo Saka, who entered the fray against Newcastle United in the 81st minute and immediately raised the tempo. Within a minute of his introduction, Saka unleashed a deflected shot that forced a save, and he continued to menace the opposition during a tense closing period. This cameo marked his first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his sharpness suggested a full recovery from the injury that had kept him sidelined. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the impact, noting, "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." Saka's return, however, coincided with a minor setback for fellow attacker Kai Havertz, who was forced off with what Arteta described as a "niggle." The manager remained optimistic that the issue would not be serious, and Saka's presence could help mitigate any potential loss of firepower. Commentator Nick Wright pointed out that Arsenal's depth was being tested, but the young winger's energy provided a much‑needed lift. In the Championship, Nottingham Forest continued their resurgence with a commanding 5-0 demolition of Sunderland, delivering back‑to‑back statement victories and taking their goal tally to nine over the last two fixtures.
Under the guidance of manager Eduardo Pereira, Forest have embraced an aggressive, forward‑leaning philosophy that feels almost rebellious in a division where many teams adopt a cautious approach, especially away from home. Pereira's decision to start two strikers, Chris Wood and Igor Jesus, at the Stadium of Light was a throwback to more traditional attacking setups and paid dividends as Forest pressed relentlessly, leaving Sunderland unable to cope with the intensity. Lewis Jones observed that Pereira's willingness to double down on aggression contrasts sharply with the defensive mindset that characterised the club under former boss Sean Dyche.
The result is a side that feels unshackled, confident in its ability to dictate games rather than merely survive. Further north, West Ham United's survival hopes remain intertwined with the legacy of former manager David Moyes. Moyes was responsible for recruiting both Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen, players who have become instrumental in the Hammers' fight against relegation.
In a dramatic 2-1 home win over Everton, Soucek opened the scoring from a Bowen corner, while later in the match he deflected a Thierno Barry effort onto the bar, preserving the lead with just 12 minutes remaining. Everton equalised in the dying minutes, but West Ham captain Declan Rice set up Callum Wilson for an injury‑time winner that could prove decisive in the club's bid to stay up.
West Ham manager David Moyes' successor, Nuno Espirito Santo, praised the team's resilience, 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." Rich Morgan highlighted how the continuity of key signings has helped West Ham remain competitive despite managerial changes. In Liverpool, Mo Salah's injury cast a shadow over a hard‑won victory 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, saying, "Did anyone ever think we would say this eight or nine months ago?" Isak controlled a wayward shot from Alexis Mac Allister and redirected it over Dean Henderson, providing a much‑needed lift for a side that has struggled to convert chances this season.
Slot emphasized the importance of having a forward capable of scoring such goals, especially as Liverpool edge closer to a Champions League qualification spot after a difficult, trophy‑less campaign. Despite Palace enjoying more shots, higher expected goals (xG) and more corners, Liverpool's efficiency in front of goal proved the difference.
Slot reflected on the season's misfortunes, noting, "The bad luck we've had many times this season usually ends up in us dropping points, but not today." David Richardson added that the win underscored the value of quality signings like Isak when they finally get on the pitch. Finally, Fulham under Marco Silva have cultivated a reputation for struggling to finish matches, winning only four of twenty games in April and May before their recent league encounter with Aston Villa. Their fifth win out of twenty‑one matches came in a gritty performance that, while not aesthetically pleasing, demonstrated determination and work‑rate. Silva pushed back against the narrative that his players were "on the beach" during this period, demanding, "Did we look like we were on the beach today?" The Cottagers' creative output remains limited, but with a manageable run‑in that includes matches against relegated Wolves, out‑of‑form Newcastle, and mid‑table sides like Arsenal and Bournemouth, a disciplined, solid‑first approach could be enough to secure a spot in European competition, rekindling memories of their impressive Europa League run under Roy Hodgson in 2009‑10, as noted by Ron Walker.
Overall, the weekend's fixtures highlighted the fine margins that define success and failure in English football, from Spurs' fragile triumph to Arsenal's rejuvenated attack, Forest's bold resurgence, West Ham's legacy‑driven fight, Liverpool's opportunistic strike, and Fulham's gritty perseverance.