Wolves 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Palhinha 82)
Wolves' first game at Molineux following 50 days away saw the Old Gold fall to a narrow Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with a late second-half goal enough to send all three points back to north London.
For 80 minutes, it seemed likely neither side would find the back of the net, but Joao Palhinha struck with less than 10 minutes remaining - just as he did during the closing stages of the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in the season.
Wolves showed improvement after the break, and Joao Gomes’ late free-kick briefly threatened to unsettle the visitors. However, a superb save from Antonin Kinsky ensured Spurs held on, condemning Wolves to the bottom of the table with another defeat.
Rob Edwards’ side returned to Molineux after almost two months away, but it was Spurs who imposed themselves from the outset. The first - and best - chance of the opening half fell to Randal Kolo Muani, who drove into the penalty area and fired towards goal, only to see his powerful effort flash wide at the near post.
Both sides struggled to find their rhythm during the first 45 minutes, with loose passes and disjointed patterns of play evident throughout. However, the hosts gradually composed themselves after a difficult start.
A well-worked corner presented Rodrigo Gomes with an opportunity, as he found himself unmarked inside the penalty area. He struck a volley towards goal, but an important block in the Spurs defence prevented Kinsky from being called into action.
The visitors dominated possession in the first half, and Wolves could have easily allowed their defensive discipline to slip. However, Edwards’ side remained organised at the back, and limited the away side to just three attempts at goal heading into the break.
Half-Time | Wolves 0-0 Tottenham
Words of encouragement from both head coaches at the break appeared to have the desired effect, as both sides emerged with much more intent. Adam Armstrong flicked a free-kick into the danger area, where Richarlison intervened but came close to turning the ball into his own net.
Spurs soon responded with a pair of chances of their own. Simons danced into the penalty area and found himself one-on-one with Matt Doherty, but the Irishman did superbly to intervene, deflecting Simons’ effort off his own boot and over the crossbar for a goal-kick.
Richarlison then surged into the Wolves half and advanced towards goal, only to blaze an effort well over Sa’s upright.
Moments later, the hosts were presented with their best chance of the game. Pedro Lima delivered a cross towards the back post, finding Mateus Mane, but his header looped over the crossbar.
As the final 20 minutes approached, it seemed increasingly likely a single goal would be enough to secure all three points. Rodrgio Bentancur came closest to breaking the deadlock when he rose highest from a corner, but a superb stop from Sa preserved parity.
Spurs continued to push and eventually found the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. A loose ball dropped to Richarlison in the penalty area following a corner, and he flicked it into Palhinha’s path, who made no mistake from close range.
Joao Gomes came agonisingly close to an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. His whipped free-kick had Kinsky scrambling across his goal line, but the Czech shot-stopper produced an excellent save to claw the effort away to safety.
Despite Wolves pushing for a late leveller, the home side were unable to find their way back into the game and faced another Premier League defeat following the confirmation of their relegation.
Full-Time | Wolves 0-1 Tottenham
Wolves | Sa, Lima (Tchatchoua 87) Doherty (Hwang 87), S Bueno, Toti, H Bueno (Wolfe 90+4), Andre, J Gomes, Mane, R Gomes (Arokodare 73), Armstrong.
Unused subs | Bentley, Bellegarde, A Gomes, Olagunju, Edozie.
Tottenham | Kinsky, Danso, Simons (Bergvall 63), Bissouma (Palhinha 63), Solanke (Richarlison 41), Gallagher (Dragusin 90+1), Porro, Spence, Bentancur, Van de Ven, Kolo Muani (Tel 46).
Unused subs | Austin, Maddison, Gray, Souza.
Report by Callum Greybanks
