Palhinha’s Late Goal Gives Tottenham First Premier League Win of 2026
Tottenham secured a critical 1-0 victory at Molineux against already relegated Wolves, with Joao Palhinha scoring the decisive goal in the 82nd minute. This win marks the club’s first Premier League victory of 2026, something the team has been earnestly pursuing. Although the match was far from spectacular and hampered by further injuries to Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons, the three points are crucial in the relegation battle. While West Ham’s win over Everton maintains the status of the standings, Tottenham has shown it can win when it counts.
Winners
Joao Palhinha: He came off the bench in the 63rd minute and completely transformed the game. With just 13 touches, he won aerial duels, achieved 86 percent passing accuracy, and provided the decisive moment that had evaded the rest of the team for over 80 minutes. His goal was essential for a team on the brink, marking a standout moment in his impactful performance. The question of whether he deserves a starting position is one that De Zerbi must now address.
Djed Spence: He quietly delivered one of his strongest performances this season, contributing effectively on both sides of the ball. Spence showcased the energy and commitment that De Zerbi expects from his fullbacks. In a game that lacked quality for extended periods, his dedication was particularly noteworthy.
Losers
Randal Kolo Muani: He had a disappointing first half which left De Zerbi with no choice but to substitute him at halftime. Kolo Muani failed to create any chances, registered just one shot off target, lost possession twice, and achieved only 71 percent pass completion against a side with nothing to gain. The expectations for performance during a relegation battle are minimal, and Kolo Muani did not meet them.
Tottenham’s Injury Situation: Losing both Solanke and Simons in the same game poses a serious challenge for a squad already stretched thin. Simons, in particular, had been a rare source of creativity and quality in recent weeks. His absence in the upcoming matches against Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton would be a significant setback at this critical stage of the season. De Zerbi now faces the daunting task of finishing the season with even fewer options, which adds to the team’s worrying situation.