Joao Palhinha’s late strike ended Tottenham Hotspur’s 15-game winless Premier League run as they secured a crucial 1-0 victory over already-relegated Wolves at Molineux.
The midfielder found the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, turning home from close range after a corner caused panic in the Wolves box, lifting Spurs to a much-needed win in their relegation fight.
Despite the victory, Tottenham remain in the bottom three, though they close the gap on West Ham to just two points, with the Hammers edging Everton thanks to a late Callum Wilson winner.
The first half was largely uneventful, with Spurs controlling possession but struggling to break down a disciplined Wolves defence and failing to seriously test Jose Sa in goal.
After the restart, Wolves created the clearer openings. Pedro Lima’s deep cross was flicked on into the path of Mateus Mane, who failed to keep his header down under pressure from Antonin Kinsky.
Adam Armstrong also went close, glancing a header just wide as Wolves looked eager to compound Spurs’ misery despite their relegation already being confirmed.
Tottenham, however, found their breakthrough late on. From a set piece, the ball eventually dropped to Richarlison, whose effort across goal was met by Palhinha, who reacted quickest to bundle it home.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Spurs supporters, with manager Roberto De Zerbi animated on the touchline as his side attempted to protect their slender lead.
In a dramatic finale, Kinsky produced a stunning reflex save in stoppage time, tipping Joao Gomes’ curling free-kick away from the top corner to preserve all three points.
After 118 days without a league win, Spurs finally ended their barren run in dramatic fashion, keeping their survival hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the season.
