Tottenham bagged their first win of 2026 via Joao Palhinha’s goal vs. Wolves.
The wait for a Premier League win in 2026 is finally over, as Tottenham Hotspur edged Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
With Spurs unable to find the breakthrough in the first half, it looked like they would find themselves further in the relegation mire as West Ham beat Everton 2-1 at home. That was until Joao Palhinha popped up with a goal in the 82nd minute, reacting quickly to Richarlison’s scuffed shot to bundle home the ball.
The Portuguese midfielder, who replaced Yves Bissouma, came up the vital goal to help the Lilywhites claim three valuable points and boost their chances of staying in the top flight. However, Tottenham’s narrow win at Wolves came at a premium.
Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons suffer injury vs. Wolves
According to a report from Football London, Dominic Solanke was forced off with a hamstring injury in the first half against Wolves. The England international was replaced by Richarlison in the 40th minute after clutching his hamstring and going down off the ball. He received treatment from the physios before gingerly walking past the touchline.
However, Solanke wasn’t the only casualty for Spurs at Molineux. Xavi Simons was taken off on a stretcher as he stretched for the ball in the second half and looked to have hyperextended his knee. The creative midfielder got up after initial treatment and tried to run it off, but he appeared to make it worse and then went down and was carried on a stretcher out of the stadium.
Tottenham’s woeful luck with injuries to key players continued, with Roberto De Zerbi now losing Solanke and Simons. Simons, who was the team’s brightest spark last weekend with a goal and an assist against Brighton, could be out for longer than Solanke. The Dutchman’s injury looked serious and will immediately spark fears that the playmaker will miss the club’s crucial final four games as they fight to stay in the Premier League.
Having clutched his hamstring and gone off, Solanke, too, could miss games for Tottenham, at least the next one against Aston Villa at Villa Park. De Zerbi must be delighted with the three points against Wolves, but he’ll be equally concerned with Solanke and Simons picking up injuries.