Tottenham Hotspur secured their first Premier League win of 2026, handing manager Roberto De Zerbi his first victory in charge with a late 1–0 win over already relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Midfielder João Palhinha scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, converting one of Tottenham’s few clear opportunities in a game where they struggled to assert control.
Despite the result, Spurs remain in the relegation zone, underlining what has been a difficult campaign marked by inconsistency and a lack of cutting edge in key moments.
In a tightly contested game at Molineux, both sides registered two shots on target. Still, Tottenham proved more efficient in front of goal, converting one of their limited chances to separate the teams.
Wolves, playing at home, had 41 per cent possession, while Tottenham controlled 59 per cent. Both sides managed just two shots on target, but Spurs proved more determined, making theirs count late on.
Tottenham were more wasteful in front of goal, with seven shots off target to Wolves’ five. They also created more from open play, with Wolves recording 4 blocked shots against Spurs’ 2.
Both teams created more from set and wide play, earning five corner kicks each. Wolves delivered eight crosses compared to Spurs’ single attempt. Spurs were caught offside twice, while Wolves were flagged once.
The physical nature of the game saw Tottenham commit 14 fouls to Wolves’ eight. In terms of defensive work, Wolves’ goalkeeper made one save, while Tottenham’s made two.
Wolves also recorded 28 throw-ins compared to Spurs’ 16, reflecting the home side’s territorial pressure.
In the end, Tottenham’s efforts proved decisive, with Palhinha’s late strike securing a rare and important three points, even as the club remains in a bottom-three position.
The victory offers a lifeline for Tottenham and a positive start for De Zerbi, but with the club still in the relegation zone, significant improvement will be required in the last stretch of the league to avoid a drop.
