The match at Molineux could become a landmark moment in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League saga, despite the gritty nature of the winning goal. With a four‑point gap to West Ham looming over them, Spurs finally broke the deadlock when João Palhinha tapped in from close range to clinch a 1-0 victory over Wolves.
Those three points were not only the first triumph under Roberto De Zerbi’s stewardship but also the club's inaugural win of the 2026 calendar year. However, the success came at a cost. Forward Dominic Solanke suffered a muscle strain, and the club still await medical scans on Xavi Simons, whose knee problem forced him off the pitch earlier in the game.
These injuries add to a growing list of setbacks for De Zerbi, who has already lost key figures such as centre‑back Cristian Romero and midfielder Mohammed Kudus. De Zerbi has repeatedly emphasized that the destiny of Tottenham will be decided by the players rather than the coaching staff. After the match, he put on a brave front despite the injury concerns, highlighting the encouraging cameo of Mathys Tel off the bench and praising the effort to get more out of Randal Kolo Muani. The manager believes that a shift in confidence, not 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 team still looked tentative, moved the ball too slowly and appeared fragile in the second half. The victory must now serve as a psychological turning point for a side that has struggled to find consistency.
Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a hard‑earned win over Newcastle, buoyed by the impact of Bukayo Saka, who entered the game in the 81st minute and immediately made a difference. Within a minute of his introduction, Saka unleashed a deflected shot that forced a save, and he continued to menace the opposition during the tense closing stages.
This was his first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his performance suggested a player returning to form after a period on the sidelines. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the effect Saka had on the match, noting his sharpness, freshness and the noticeable lift in the team's energy when he stepped onto the pitch.
"Great," Arteta said when asked about Saka’s return, adding that the player’s presence altered the atmosphere both on the field and in the stadium. Arsenal’s optimism was tempered by a minor concern over Kai Havertz, who left the field with what Arteta described as a small "niggle." The manager expressed hope that the issue was not serious, and Saka’s resurgence should help mitigate any lingering worries about the German midfielder’s fitness. The Gunners, therefore, can look ahead with a blend of confidence in their attacking options and cautious optimism regarding squad health.
Further down the table, Nottingham Forest delivered a statement performance, demolishing Sunderland 5-0 to secure back‑to‑back statement wins. 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, almost rebellious style that defies the usual caution associated with lower‑table teams. Pereira’s decision to field two strikers – Chris Wood and Igor Jesus – in an away fixture at the Stadium of Light harked back to a more traditional, attacking mindset.
The gamble paid off handsomely as Forest pressed relentlessly, overwhelming Sunderland’s defence with intensity and purpose. Pereira’s philosophy represents a stark contrast to the defensive pragmatism that characterized Sean Dyche’s tenure at Forest.
The shift towards high‑pressing aggression has revitalised the squad, giving them a sense of freedom and confidence that was previously lacking. As Lewis Jones observed, the team now appears unshackled, playing with a freedom that has translated into tangible results on the scoreboard. In the West Ham camp, the club’s recent survival hopes have been bolstered by the contributions of former manager David Moyes, who originally recruited Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen. Both players have been instrumental in the Hammers’ fight to stay up, most recently featuring in a dramatic 2-1 home win over Everton that kept West Ham two points ahead of Tottenham in the relegation battle.
Soucek opened the scoring from a Bowen corner, then later cleared a dangerous Thierno Barry effort onto the bar, preserving the lead with twelve minutes remaining. Although Everton equalised late, West Ham captain Declan Rice set up Callum Wilson for an injury‑time winner, a goal that could prove decisive in the club’s quest for survival.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised the legacy left by Moyes, noting that the former boss brought trophies and a winning mentality, embodied by players such as Bowen and Soucek who remain integral to the squad. Liverpool’s match against Crystal Palace was marked by Mo Salah’s injury but also featured a long‑awaited Premier League goal at Anfield for Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker capitalised on a wayward shot from Alexis Mac Allister, controlling the ball and finishing over Dean Henderson.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot highlighted the significance of the goal, remarking that the team had struggled to convert chances throughout the season. He stressed the importance of having a forward capable of delivering such moments, especially as Liverpool inch closer to a Champions League qualification spot after a season that has otherwise been trophy‑less. Despite Palace dominating possession, creating more shots and enjoying a higher expected goals (xG) figure, Liverpool’s efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. Slot reflected on the season’s recurring bad luck, noting that today’s win broke the pattern of dropped points caused by misfortune.
Fulham, under Marco Silva, have earned a reputation for failing to finish matches, winning just four of twenty games in April and May before their recent clash with Aston Villa. Their record has now improved to five wins from twenty‑one matches, a modest but vital uptick. Silva rejected accusations that his side had been “on the beach” during the latter part of the season, defending his players’ work‑rate and determination. While creativity remains scarce, Fulham’s disciplined approach could be sufficient to secure a Europa League qualification, especially with a relatively manageable run‑in that includes matches against relegated Wolves and out‑of‑form Newcastle, alongside fixtures versus Arsenal and Bournemouth.
The club hopes to recapture some of the magic from their Europa League run under Roy Hodgson in 2009/10, and a solid finish could help erase the memories of recent struggles. Overall, the weekend’s Premier League action highlighted the fine margins that separate triumph from disappointment, underscoring the importance of mental resilience, strategic boldness and the occasional spark from a returning star.