Tottenham Hotspur finally have something to hold onto in their survival fight.
After 118 days without a Premier League win, Spurs ended their painful run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, thanks to a late finish from João Palhinha.
It was not pretty and it was far from comfortable, but for Roberto De Zerbi and his players, style was never the priority.
Three points were.
Palhinha struck in the 82nd minute, reacting quickest after a loose ball from a corner fell into a crowded area, stabbing home from close range after Richarlison had redirected the initial effort.
For a side that had gone 15 league games without victory under three managers, it felt enormous.
Tottenham end miserable run but remain in danger
The win avoids an unwanted piece of history.
Spurs were staring at the possibility of matching the club’s longest ever league winless streak, set back in the 1934/35 season. That record stays untouched for now.
But the bigger picture remains tense. Because of West Ham United’s win elsewhere, Tottenham remain in the relegation zone with four games left to play.
That means relief, not safety. And while De Zerbi will take the result, the performance still left plenty of concerns.
There were moments of urgency early on, but long periods where Tottenham looked nervy and short on confidence.
Against a Wolves side already relegated, Spurs still had to survive late pressure.
Injury concerns grow for Tottenham again
The biggest problem may not be the table. It may be the treatment room.
Dominic Solanke was forced off before half-time after appearing to aggravate an ankle problem, while Xavi Simonssuffered what looked like a serious issue in the second half.
Simons’ injury looked especially worrying.
After an awkward movement while chasing a loose ball, the midfielder initially tried to continue before collapsing again moments later and being taken off on a stretcher.
That is the last thing Tottenham needed. Since taking over, De Zerbi has already seen multiple senior players sidelined, and squad depth is being stretched at exactly the wrong moment.
Palhinha delivers when Tottenham needed it most
For all the tension, Palhinha stepped up.
The midfielder had already rescued Spurs once against Wolves earlier this season with a stoppage-time equaliser. This time, he went one better.
| Stat (2025/26) | João Palhinha |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Tackles won | 76 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% |
source: sofascore match data – 25 April 2026
The numbers show his usual defensive value, but this was about timing.
His goal changed the mood completely.
Still, Tottenham needed goalkeeper Antonín Kinský to produce a brilliant late save from a free-kick to preserve the win.
Without that, this would have been another painful afternoon.
Key insights
- Tottenham ended a 15-game Premier League winless run
- João Palhinha scored the winner in the 82nd minute
- Spurs remain in the relegation zone despite the victory
- Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons both left injured
- Antonín Kinský made a crucial late save to secure the points
What’s next for Tottenham?
Tottenham now face a huge away trip to Aston Villa, a match that could shape the rest of their survival battle.
One win can change momentum, but only if it is backed up.
Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Spurs have shown flashes of life, but consistency has been missing all year. This result offers breathing space emotionally, though the table still leaves no room for mistakes.
Much will depend on the fitness of Solanke and Simons in the days ahead.
The win matters. But the real question is whether it is the start of a recovery, or just a pause in the chaos. Can Tottenham build on this at Villa, or is the relegation fight still slipping away?
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