JOAO PALHINHA FIRES TOTTENHAM TO FIRST 2026 WIN, STAYING IN SURVIVAL HUNT
Tottenham finally ended a 16-game winless streak with a 1-0 win at Wolves. We analyse the relegation battle with four games left.
Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that his Tottenham side are ready to battle after finally securing their first Premier League win of 2026. After Joao Palhinha’s decisive goal at Wolverhampton, De Zerbi expressed belief that survival in the league is still within reach.
He pointed out that while they’re not looking at a huge points cushion – just two points behind West Ham – the team quality is there. What really caught his attention, though, was the character and professionalism of the players, something he hadn’t fully appreciated until working with them day to day. Watching games on TV doesn’t reveal much about spirit or attitude, but being with the squad daily gave him confidence.
Yet, De Zerbi wasn’t entirely happy with how the match unfolded. The long stretch without a win has clearly affected their confidence, especially after a promising start that didn’t quite translate into enough chances or goals. He also mentioned worries over injuries, specifically to Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons. Solanke’s injury appears to be a muscle strain, not severe but uncertain in terms of recovery time. Simons’ knee issue is less straightforward, with hopes that it’s improving but still requiring close monitoring.
Despite these concerns, there was genuine satisfaction with the team’s spirit and, importantly, the performance of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Just over a month after a tough moment at Atletico Madrid, Kinsky made a crucial late save to secure the victory, earning praise from De Zerbi as someone who deserved this kind of day.
Reflecting on the game, De Zerbi noted their first 35 minutes showed promise, though the second half fell short of expectations. He acknowledged Tottenham can play better and stressed the need for more confidence, especially given the team’s solid performance in European competition last season, which he felt wasn’t any easier than the Premier League.
With just four games left, Tottenham sits two points behind West Ham but benefits from a healthier goal difference. Their upcoming fixtures include meetings with Aston Villa, Leeds, Everton, and Chelsea, each carrying significant weight for their survival hopes.
Joao Palhinha, the match-winner, emphasised the importance of these final games, calling them “four finals” and highlighting the collective responsibility to keep Tottenham in the Premier League. For him and the rest of the club, this win symbolises much more than just points; it represents a chance to turn their season around and maintain the status the club belongs to.
ASTON VILLA’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES DENTED BY SURPRISE LOSS AT FULHAM
Fulham revived their top-seven dream at Craven Cottage. Sessegnon’s strike punished a flat Villa side focused on Europa League glory
Fulham gave themselves a boost in their quest for a European spot as Ryan Sessegnon’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 win over a flat Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.
This marked only their second victory in six Premier League matches under Marco Silva. Their inconsistency raises questions about whether a top-seven finish remains realistic. Still, in perfect conditions and buoyed by a lively home crowd, they showed glimpses of what they can achieve.
The decisive moment came late in the first half. Emiliano Martinez made a quick save to deny Sasa Lukic’s header, but Villa failed to track the danger from Sessegnon, who slipped in to slot the ball between Ezri Konsa’s legs right on the goal line.
Villa, in a way, contributed to their own downfall, delivering a lacklustre performance throughout. Their impressive eight-game winning streak ended back in December, and they haven't managed back-to-back league wins since. That pattern held again in west London, though they still hold a comfortable margin in their fight for a Champions League berth.
Their threats on Bernd Leno’s goal were limited; only Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins tested him in the first half, with little thereafter.
It’s possible their focus partly shifted to Thursday’s Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, given the numerous late substitutions Unai Emery made. If they hope to extend their European journey, they’ll need a much stronger showing.
The first half was underwhelming. Raul Jimenez headed straight at Martinez from close range when unmarked, and Emiliano Buendia rounded off a quick Villa counterattack with a wide shot.
Lukic's sloppy attempt on a loose ball from the edge of the box was another missed opportunity, sending a weak effort straight to the goalkeeper.
Morgan Rogers also had a wild effort that ballooned way over, reflecting the lack of real chances early on.
The England midfielder, under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel, came closest to threatening when he weaved through Fulham’s defence and fired a low shot just off target.
Watkins, apparently eager to impress Tuchel before the World Cup break, then fought off Joachim Andersen before shooting narrowly past the post.
Fulham found the breakthrough two minutes before halftime. Timothy Castagne delivered a cross from the
WHY WOLVES’ RELEGATION MAKES JOãO GOMES THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S TOP SUMMER TARGET
With Wolves relegated, midfielder João Gomes is set to leave. We explore Crystal Palace's interest and the race for the Brazilian star.
Crystal Palace are already mapping out their plans for the summer transfer window, and Wolves’ relegation has created a clear opening in midfield.
With Wolverhampton dropping to the Championship, it looks like several key players might be on their way out. Among them, João Gomes is quickly becoming a realistic target for Premier League clubs aiming to bolster their midfield.
According to Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade on ESPN Brazil, Wolves have essentially put a number of players up for sale. This decision is influenced by both tactical shifts and financial considerations.
The club anticipates that playing in the Championship will require a different style of midfielder and is also mindful of the potential drop in market value if they hold onto high-value players like João Gomes.
Despite Wolves’ struggles as a team this season, João Gomes has consistently performed well on an individual level, which is central to Wolves’ plan.
Their strategy seems to be selling while his value remains relatively strong, and Crystal Palace appears eager to make a move. Wolves want to avoid a scenario where a season in the Championship would diminish both his exposure and transfer worth.
Data from FBref and WhoScored shows the Brazilian midfielder has been one of Wolves’ most active players, averaging over two tackles per 90 minutes and regularly ranking high in ball recoveries.
Andrade notes that internally, Wolves expect João Gomes to depart once the European season wraps up.
Crystal Palace isn’t the only club showing interest. Atlético Madrid has also been scouting midfield reinforcements for some time.
It’s not clear if formal talks have started yet, but the interest from both sides is genuine and ongoing.
Palace is in the process of building a more dynamic and aggressive midfield setup, where João Gomes’ style of pressing, engaging in duels, and quick transitions would fit well.
That said, competition will be stiff. Atlético’s ongoing search for balance in midfield suggests they won’t step back easily.
We’ve also heard that Napoli is working toward a possible deal for him.
Looking ahead, João Gomes is expected to stay in Europe for now. A move back to Brazil is considered unlikely despite interest and financial power from clubs like Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Cruzeiro.
For Crystal Palace, this is definitely a situation to keep an eye on. Wolves seem open to selling, the player is attracting attention, and the timing coincides with a market opportunity triggered by relegation.
The key will be who makes the first formal offer. Palace has acted early but is certainly not the only one in the running.
