João Palhinha stepped up in the dying minutes to net the decisive goal for Tottenham Hotspur, delivering the North London club its inaugural Premier League win of the 2026 campaign with a 1-0 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. The narrow victory injected a much-needed surge of optimism into a side fighting to avoid the drop, even though they continue to linger in the relegation zone. The match unfolded dramatically at the historic Molineux stadium.
While the substitute striker put Spurs ahead, the drama was mirrored in other fixtures that day, most notably Everton's equaliser against West Ham United, which briefly lifted Roberto De Zerbi's side out of the bottom three before Callum Wilson's late winner for the Hammers dampened the celebrations. For Tottenham, the win proved even more crucial after they suffered injuries to key attackers Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons during the game.
The duo's exits left the Spurs two points adrift of West Ham, but Palhinha's heroics kept their survival hopes alive. Wolves lined up a starting eleven featuring Sa (6), Lima (6), Doherty (5), S. Bueno (6), Toti (5), H. Bueno (7), Andre (6), J.
Gomes (7), R. Gomes (6), Mane (6) and Armstrong (6), with substitutes Arokodare (6), Hwang (6), Tchatchoua (5) and Moller Wolfe unavailable.
Tottenham's roster included Kinsky (7), Pedro Porro (7), Danso (7), Van de Ven (7), Spence (7), Bissouma (6), Bentancur (7), Gallagher (6), Kolo Muani (6), Simons (6) and Solanke (6), while the bench offered Richarlison (7), Tel (7), Palhinha (7), Bergvall (6) and Dragusin (n/a). Palhinha was named player of the match. Spurs began the encounter energetically, but the first half was largely uneventful, reflecting a tempo that belied the urgency of their situation.
The early injury to Solanke, followed shortly by Simons missing a clear chance and then leaving the field, heightened the tension among the travelling supporters. Wolves, meanwhile, grew in confidence after hearing news of West Ham's opening goal against Everton, which amplified the pressure on the tentative Tottenham side.
Wolverhampton created two notable chances through Adam Armstrong, but the turning point arrived from a well‑taken corner by Mathys Tel. Pedro Porro delivered a precise ball that found Richarlison, who forced the ball toward goal where substitute João Palhinha was waiting to tap it home. The goal proved decisive, though the match still featured nervy moments, such as Antonin Kinsky's spectacular dive to deny João Gomes' 98th‑minute free‑kick.
Wolves made five changes at halftime, introducing former Tottenham defender Matt Doherty as captain and giving Pedro Lima his first Premier League start of the season. Tottenham made a single alteration to the lineup that had drawn with Brighton, with Djed Spence replacing Destiny Udogie. The win could prove pivotal in Tottenham's season.
Without the three points, the club would find itself four points behind safety with only four games remaining. The victory therefore offers a glimmer of hope and a potential catalyst for a late‑season resurgence. In post‑match interviews, Palhinha reflected on the significance of the result: "I hope it changes things for us. This win means a lot for the team, the club and the fans.
It's not a normal season, and we all have a responsibility to keep fighting. We need to stay focused and use this momentum to push for more points because we have been without victories for far too long." Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi addressed the press, acknowledging both the positives and the shortcomings of his side's performance. He praised the first‑half display, noting the team's control despite a lack of clear-cut chances. However, he admitted that the second half was marred by pressure and a loss of structure, especially after a disappointing run of results earlier in the year.
De Zerbi emphasized the need to improve the team's mentality and highlighted the professional attitude of the squad, even in a challenging environment. Regarding the injuries, De Zerbi explained that Solanke suffered a muscular strain, the severity of which remains to be determined, while Simons is dealing with a knee issue that will be assessed in the coming days.
He expressed optimism that Simons feels better than at the onset of his injury. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky received particular praise for his crucial save in the final minutes. De Zerbi described Kinsky as deserving recognition for his performance, especially after his recent stint with Real Madrid, and noted that his contributions were vital to securing the win.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards also spoke after the match, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a Tottenham side that, despite recent struggles, possesses quality players and high motivation. He praised his own players for matching Spurs' intensity and work rate, despite Wolves' recent relegation confirmation. Edwards stressed that the team gave everything on the pitch and that, although the season has been harsh, the players' commitment remains commendable.
The result leaves Tottenham still in the relegation zone, two points behind West Ham United, but the three points earned at Molineux provide a platform for a potential escape. With four games left, the Spurs must capitalize on any slip‑ups from their rivals and continue to fight for every point. For fans looking to relive the action, the match highlights are available on the Sky Sports app, and those without a Sky subscription can access instant streaming without a contract. The live Premier League table and free highlights are also accessible online.
In summary, João Palhinha's late header gave Tottenham a vital 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, offering a lifeline in their relegation battle. While the win does not guarantee safety, it restores belief and underscores the importance of resilience, squad depth, and seizing opportunities in the final stretch of the 2026 Premier League season.