Tottenham pick up crucial three points against Wolves.
Tottenham ground out a crucial 1-0 victory at Molineux against already relegated Wolves, with Joao Palhinha emerging as the unlikely hero with a goal in the 82nd minute that could prove absolutely pivotal in the survival battle. The afternoon was far from comfortable, with Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons both forced off through injury in a further blow to De Zerbi’s threadbare squad, but three points are three points, and Spurs desperately needed them. However, Tottenham remain in the relegation zone due to West Ham’s victory against Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Antonin Kinsky (6/10): Did what was required without being seriously tested. Maintained his composure throughout and contributed reasonably to Tottenham’s build-up play. Made a stunning save to deny Wolves an equalizer from a freekick right at the death.
Pedro Porro (6/10): A solid and disciplined display down the right flank, offering attacking intent while maintaining his defensive shape. One of the more reliable performers on the afternoon.
Kevin Danso (5/10): Commanded his area effectively and dealt with Wolves’ limited threat without fuss. A composed performance that reflected a player growing in confidence under De Zerbi’s management, although there were some shaky moments.
Micky van de Ven (6/10): Another improved display from the Dutchman, whose season has been defined by catastrophic individual errors but who is gradually rediscovering the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded defenders. Solid without being spectacular.
Djed Spence (7/10): One of Tottenham’s better performers on the day, contributing effectively in both directions and showing the kind of energy and commitment De Zerbi demands from his fullbacks. A performance that will have pleased the head coach considerably.
Rodrigo Bentancur (7/10): A disciplined and purposeful display in central midfield, providing the kind of defensive cover and composure in possession that Tottenham have lacked for much of this season. His presence alongside Bissouma gave the team a more solid foundation than they have been able to establish in recent weeks.
Yves Bissouma (5/10): Contributed adequately before being replaced by Palhinha in the 63rd minute. Did not do enough to change the narrative around his future at the club, but fulfilled his defensive duties without major incident.
Randal Kolo Muani (4/10): A thoroughly dismal first half that gave De Zerbi no choice but to hook him at the interval. Managed just 34 touches, failed to create a single chance for a teammate, recorded one shot that was not on target, and was dispossessed twice. His pass accuracy of 71 per cent and inability to connect with either of his crossing attempts reflected a player completely out of form and confidence. Was rightly replaced by Tel at half-time.
Conor Gallagher (7/10): One of the more energetic and purposeful performers in the starting lineup, pressing with intensity and contributing both defensively and in possession. Showed more of the qualities De Zerbi identified when describing the player he wanted to see again from his Chelsea days.
Xavi Simons (6/10): Showed some encouraging touches before being forced off with an injury in the 63rd minute, replaced by Bergvall. The timing of the injury is deeply concerning, given how few creative options De Zerbi has available to him.
Dominic Solanke (5/10): Worked hard before suffering an injury that forced his withdrawal as early as the 40th minute, replaced by Richarlison. His fitness will be monitored closely ahead of the remaining four fixtures.
Substitutes
Richarlison (5/10): Came on for the injured Solanke in the 40th minute and provided the energy and pressing De Zerbi demands, without producing the decisive moment the game needed until Palhinha intervened.
Mathys Tel (6/10): Replaced Kolo Muani at half-time and brought directness and dynamism that immediately improved Tottenham’s attacking threat. A useful contribution when it mattered.
Lucas Bergvall (6/10): Introduced in the 63rd minute and showed his usual composure and technical quality, helping Tottenham maintain control as the clock ticked down.
Joao Palhinha (8/10): The hero. Came on for Bissouma in the 63rd minute and made an immediate impact, winning aerial duels, completing 86 per cent of his passes and popping up with the 82nd-minute goal that settled the contest. With just 13 touches he made every single one count. His case for a permanent role in De Zerbi’s plans has never been stronger.