The match at Molineux could become a landmark moment in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League saga. Facing a four‑point gap to West Ham, the North London side managed to clinch a hard‑won victory thanks to a close‑range finish from João Palhinha, who tapped the ball home against Wolverhampton Wanderers. That goal not only secured three vital points – Tottenham's first win under Roberto De Zerbi and their inaugural triumph of the 2026 calendar year – but also came at a cost.
Striker Dominic Solanke left the pitch with a muscle strain, and the club will soon receive scans on Xavi Simons, who was forced off with a knee issue. These injuries add to a growing list of concerns for De Zerbi.
De Zerbi is often portrayed as a potential saviour for the club, yet he has repeatedly stressed that the ultimate fate of Tottenham will be decided on the pitch by the players, not by the coaching staff. The squad has already seen the departure of key figures such as centre‑back Cristian Romero and midfielder Mohammed Kudus, further complicating the rebuilding process. After the win, the Italian manager tried to keep a positive tone, highlighting the encouraging cameo of Mathys Tel off the bench and praising the effort of Randal Kolo Muani, who is still finding his best form.
De Zerbi believes the psychological boost from the victory could be more decisive than any tactical masterstroke. "I hope this result can change something in our heads, in our mentality," he said, acknowledging that the team still looked tentative and sluggish for much of the game. Tottenham's ball movement was often too slow, and they appeared fragile during the second half.
Nevertheless, De Zerbi hopes the win will act as a catalyst for a longer‑term turnaround. Across the league, Arsenal also secured a valuable win, this time over Newcastle United, with the help of a late‑game cameo from Bukayo Saka.
The 24‑year‑old entered the fray in the 81st minute and immediately injected fresh energy into the Gunners' attack. Within a minute of his introduction he unleashed a deflected shot that rattled the post, and he continued to menace the opposition until the final whistle. It was Saka's first appearance since the Carabao Cup final, and his performance suggested he had returned stronger after a period of absence.
"Great," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta replied when asked about Saka's impact. "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." Unfortunately for the Gunners, Saka's return coincided with a minor setback for Kai Havertz, who was forced off with a small "niggle" according to Arteta. The manager remained optimistic that Havertz's issue would not be serious, and Saka's presence should help alleviate any concerns about the team's creative spark. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have been on a roll, delivering a 5‑0 demolition of Sunderland to register back‑to‑back statement victories. Over their last two fixtures the club has netted nine goals and appears to be pulling away from the relegation battle.
Under the guidance of new boss Paulo Pereira, Forest have embraced an aggressive, almost rebellious philosophy in a league that often rewards caution, especially away from home. Pereira's decision to start two strikers – Chris Wood and Igor Jesus – in the away match at the Stadium of Light was a throwback to more traditional, attacking line‑ups and paid off handsomely as Forest pressed relentlessly, leaving Sunderland unable to cope with the intensity. Pereira's willingness to double‑down on aggression marks a sharp departure from the defensive mindset of former manager Sean Dyche, and it has breathed new life into the squad.
The team now looks unshackled, playing with a freedom that has translated into both goals and confidence. Further north, West Ham United may owe a part of their survival hopes to former manager David Moyes, who originally recruited Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen. Both players have been instrumental in the Hammers' fight to stay up, and they featured prominently in a dramatic 2‑1 home win over Everton that kept West Ham two points ahead of Tottenham in the relegation zone.
Soucek opened the scoring from a Bowen corner, then later deflected a Thierno Barry effort onto the bar to preserve the lead with twelve minutes remaining. Everton equalised late, but West Ham captain (name omitted) set up Callum Wilson for an injury‑time winner, a goal that could prove decisive in the club's battle for Premier League survival. Manager David Moyes' successor praised the legacy left by Moyes, noting that the former boss brought trophies and a winning mentality to the club.
In Liverpool, Mohamed 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 Isak's first‑half strike, describing it as a moment he never imagined would happen eight or nine months earlier. Isak capitalised on a wayward Alexis Mac Allister effort, controlling the ball and slotting a bouncing finish past Dean Henderson. Slot highlighted that Liverpool have often created better chances than they have finished, underscoring the importance of having a clinical finisher like Isak to convert opportunities and lift the team's morale.
The win brings Liverpool tantalisingly close to a Champions League qualification spot, despite a season that has been plagued by injuries and a lack of trophies. Palace, on the other hand, enjoyed more shots, higher expected goals and more corners, yet they could not capitalise. Further down the table, Fulham have struggled under Marco Silva, winning only five of 21 matches in April and May combined. Their recent 2‑0 victory over Aston Villa marked their first win in three games and offered a glimmer of hope for a European qualification push.
Silva dismissed criticism that his side looked like they were "on the beach" this time of year, insisting his players showed determination and work‑rate. While creativity remains scarce for the Cottagers, a favorable run‑in against teams like relegated Wolves and out‑of‑form Newcastle could give them a chance to revive memories of their Europa League run under Roy Hodgson in 2009/10. Overall, the Premier League continues to deliver drama across the table, with clubs battling for survival, European spots, and redemption.
Each victory, injury, and tactical shift can have far‑reaching consequences as the season draws toward its climax.