João Palhinha scored a late winner as Tottenham Hotspur ended their long wait for a Premier League victory, but their relegation battle remains unresolved.
The result marked Spurs’ first league win since December, yet they remain third from bottom and two points adrift of safety with four matches left.
Late breakthrough offers limited relief
After a tense and largely uninspiring contest, Palhinha struck with seven minutes remaining, finishing from close range to secure a crucial three points.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Roberto De Zerbi’s side struggled to convert control into clear chances. The breakthrough eventually came after sustained pressure, with Palhinha capitalising in the decisive moment.
Earlier, Rodrigo Bentancur was denied by a strong save from José Sá, while attacking opportunities remained limited.
Injury setbacks and external results compound pressure
Tottenham’s situation was further complicated by injuries to Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke, both forced off during the match.
Simons missed a key opportunity before leaving the pitch with a knee issue, adding to the club’s growing list of fitness concerns at a critical stage of the campaign.
Elsewhere, West Ham United secured a dramatic late win over Everton, limiting the immediate impact of Tottenham’s victory on the relegation standings.
Survival fight intensifies
Spurs are attempting to avoid their first top-flight relegation since 1977, but performance levels continue to raise concerns despite the positive result.
With four fixtures remaining, the margin for error is minimal. While the win restores a degree of hope, Tottenham must deliver consistent results to secure survival and avoid a historic drop.
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