João Palhinha stepped up in the dying minutes to clinch a 1-0 victory for Tottenham Hotspur, delivering the North London club its inaugural Premier League win of the 2026 campaign at Molineux. The narrow win over Wolverhampton Wanderers not only lifted the Spurs out of the bottom three but also rekindled a glimmer of hope for survival as the season edges toward its climax. The atmosphere at Molineux was electric, with both sets of fans aware that the stakes were exceptionally high.
While Tottenham pressed forward early, the first half unfolded at a measured pace that belied the urgency of their situation. The match turned tense when injuries struck early; Dominic Solanke limped off with a muscular problem, and shortly after, Xavi Simons was forced to leave the field after a knock to his knee.
Their exits added to the anxiety among the travelling supporters, who sensed that every point was now vital. Wolves, who had already been relegated, sensed an opportunity to bounce back and applied pressure of their own.
They threatened twice through Adam Armstrong, who tested the Tottenham defence with powerful runs and a couple of close-range efforts. However, the decisive moment arrived from a set-piece. A well‑taken corner by Mathys Tel found Richarlison, whose flick-on was expertly timed for the on‑coming substitute João Palhinha.
The Portuguese midfielder met the ball with a swift, low strike that slipped past the out‑stretched goalkeeper, sealing the win for Spurs. The drama did not end there.
In the final minute, Antonin Kinsky produced a spectacular diving save to deny João Gomes from a free‑kick, preserving the clean sheet and ensuring that the three points stayed with Tottenham. Both managers made tactical tweaks during the game: Wolves introduced former Spurs defender Matt Doherty as captain and gave Pedro Lima his first Premier League start, while Tottenham made a single alteration, bringing Djed Spence into the side that had previously drawn with Brighton.
The victory is more than just three points for a club languishing in the drop zone. Prior to the win, Spurs were four points adrift of safety with only four matches remaining. The triumph narrows the gap to two points behind West Ham, keeping the dream of Premier League survival alive.
It also provides a psychological lift after a series of disappointing results that saw the team fail to win any match earlier in the year. In the post‑match interview, Palhinha reflected on the significance of his goal. "I hope it changes things for us," he said. "This win means a lot for the club, the fans, and every player on the pitch.
We've had a tough season, but we must stay focused and keep fighting until the final whistle of the campaign." Tottenham head coach Robert De Zerbi addressed the media, acknowledging the team's strong start but also critiquing the second‑half performance. "We controlled the game early on, but the pressure built up, especially after our winless run this season," he explained. "I want the players to keep believing in themselves. The quality is there, and the mentality can improve.
This result should boost our confidence, but we still have work to do." De Zerbi also provided updates on the injured players. Solanke's muscular issue appears manageable, though the exact recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Simons, however, faces a knee problem that will be assessed over the next few days. "We will monitor both players closely and decide the best course of action," the coach said.
Kinsky, who made the crucial save at the end, received praise from his manager. "He deserves this day; his performance was vital and he showed great composure," De Zerbi added, noting the goalkeeper's importance after a difficult spell for the club.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards, speaking after the defeat, commended Tottenham's resilience despite their own struggles. "They have quality players and a high level of motivation," Edwards said. "We gave everything, and although we are relegated, the players showed great character. It was a proper football match, not a one‑sided affair." Looking ahead, Tottenham must capitalize on this momentum.
With four games left, every point will be crucial in the battle to avoid relegation. The club will need to manage the fitness of key players, maintain defensive solidity, and find a reliable source of goals. The win against Wolves could serve as a turning point, offering the squad a much‑needed confidence boost as they strive to stay in the Premier League. For fans wanting to relive the highlights, the match is available on the Sky Sports app, and a free trial can be accessed without a contract.
The Premier League table is updated live, and highlights can be watched without charge. As the season draws to a close, Spurs supporters will be hoping that Palhinha's late strike marks the beginning of a late surge that ultimately secures their place in England's top flight. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250,000! Enter for free.