A Long Wait Ends for Tottenham
After 118 days and 15 games under three different managers, Tottenham finally ended their long winless streak. The victory came against a team already on the brink of relegation, and it felt like a much-needed relief for the fans and players alike.
Joao Palhinha was the hero of the day, scoring in the 82nd minute after a misdirected shot from Richarlison found its way into the net. This goal was particularly sweet given that Palhinha had previously rescued a point for Spurs with a last-minute equalizer against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September.
The win was preserved by a remarkable stoppage-time save by Antonin Kinsky, who denied Joao Gomes from a free kick. The moment sparked wild celebrations among the players and fans, marking a significant turning point for the team.
New manager Roberto De Zerbi was visibly elated, pumping his fists and roaring in front of the away fans at the end of the match. His enthusiasm was infectious, and it seemed to energize the entire squad.
Tottenham managed to avoid matching their club record of 16 games without a win, which was set during the 1934-35 season—a year when they were relegated and Arsenal won the title. While this omen is now behind them, the fight for survival is far from over.
With four games remaining, Tottenham still trails the bottom three by two points. However, the recent win could be a turning point for the team.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the victory, there are several concerns for De Zerbi’s side. The team was passive for large parts of the game against a relatively weak opponent. Injuries are also piling up again, with key players like Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons forced off during the match.
Solanke, the first-choice centre forward, was taken off after suffering another injury, while Simons, the main creative force, left the pitch on a stretcher. These setbacks highlight the challenges the team is facing as they try to stay in the Premier League.
De Zerbi has expressed confidence that one win could change everything. After a draw against Brighton last weekend, he claimed they could win the next five matches. So far, they have managed to secure one of those wins.
Upcoming Fixtures
The next challenge for Tottenham is a trip to Aston Villa, who will be between the two legs of their Europa League semi-final and might be distracted. Following that, they will host Leeds and Everton, with a trip to Chelsea in between.
There were signs of improvement against Brighton, with Spurs starting the match with purpose. They moved the ball at a good tempo, generated forward momentum, and forced mistakes from a Wolves team that had just returned home after two heavy defeats on the road.
However, early chances were not taken by Spurs. From a free kick taken by Porro, Kevin Danso headed the ball square, but Solanke was unable to reach it. Later, Randal Kolo Muani lashed a shot wide after a misplaced pass by Andre.
Kolo Muani has been a target for De Zerbi’s “ego massage techniques,” with the manager sending him YouTube footage of his prolific form for Eintracht Frankfurt. Unfortunately, this was another underwhelming display, and he was substituted at half-time.
Mathys Tel, his replacement, performed with more energy and threat, showing promise for the future.
Match Facts
Wolves (3-4-2-1):
Sa 6.5; Doherty 6 (Hwang 85), S.Bueno 7, Toti 6.5; Lima 6 (Tchatchoua 86), Andre 7, J.Gomes 6.5, H.Bueno 6.5; Mane 6, R.Gomes 5 (Arokodare 72, 5); Armstrong 5.5.
Subs: Bentley, A.Gomes; Bellegarde, Edozie, Moller Wofle, Olagunju
Bookings: Andre, H.Bueno
Manager: Rob Edwards 6
Spurs (4-2-3-1):
Kinsky 7.5; Porro 6.5, Danso 6.5, Van de Ven 6, Spence 6; Bentancur 8, Bissouma 5 (Palhinha 62, 7.5); Kolo Muani 4.5 (Tel 46, 6), Gallagher 6.5 (Dragusin 90+1), Simons 7 (Bergvall 62, 5); Solanke 5 (Richarlison 40, 6).
Subs: Austin, Gray, Maddison, Souza
Goals: Palhinha
Bookings: Danso, Porro, Bentancur, Gallagher
Manager: Roberto De Zerbi 6.5
Ref: Anthony Taylor 6
Att: 31,253
Tottenham lost the early impetus as Wolves found a better rhythm, and the contest fell flat due to stoppages for injuries. Solanke, who missed five months of the season with an ankle injury, was struck down again and limped off after on-pitch treatment in the 40th minute.
Since De Zerbi’s arrival on the last day of March, the team has lost Mohamed Kudus, Cristian Romero, Udogie, and now Solanke and Simons to injuries. Yves Bissouma required treatment after a strong challenge by Andre at the end of the first half, earning a yellow card for the Wolves midfielder.
News that Tomas Soucek had given West Ham the lead against Everton filtered through to Molineux early in the second half. Wolves fans taunted the visitors with a chorus of “Going Down with the Wanderers” as Simons wriggled free in the penalty area but fired too high under pressure from Santiago Bueno.
It was his last significant contribution before leaving on a stretcher. Simons was hurt in an innocuous incident with Hugo Bueno, the pair of them chasing a ball out of touch for a Wolves goal kick. He seemed to twist the joint on the fringe of the turf, and there was genuine concern from other players who hurried the Spurs physios onto the pitch.
Simons climbed to his feet and appeared determined to continue, but after bouncing up and down on the touchline, he collapsed again to the ground. Wolves threatened when the game restarted, with Kinsky racing out to foil Adam Armstrong and Hugo Bueno swerving a free kick over before Jose Sa made a fabulous save to frustrate Rodrigo Bentancur.
The Spurs midfielder made excellent contact with a header from a Porro corner and clearly expected to find the net, howling into the sky when Sa kept it out. The elusive goal did come though, turned in from another corner by Palhinha to send a wave of relief through the team.
De Zerbi bolstered his defense with Radu Dragusin, but the visitors still required the flying save by Kinsky to secure three points. Finally, they have figured out a way to win again.
