Football Review | Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 Wolves

Palhinha rescues Spurs in stoppage time

The late equaliser denied Wolves their first league win of the season.

Author | Greg S

Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Spurs piling on the pressure

Joao Palhinha struck deep into stoppage time to earn Tottenham a point and deny Wolves a first Premier League victory of the campaign.

Wolves looked set to end their winless run after Santiago Bueno bundled home from close range in the 54th minute, pouncing after Guglielmo Vicario’s save ricocheted off Palhinha and fell kindly at his feet. The centre-back made no mistake at the second attempt.

But their hopes were dashed in the fourth minute of added time when Palhinha rifled a shot beyond Sam Johnstone, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.

Wolves, who had lost their opening five matches, will be left frustrated at leaving north London with only a point.

Spurs analysis | Palhinha provides the lifeline

With Liverpool slipping to defeat earlier in the day, Spurs had a chance to close the gap at the top but struggled to impose themselves on opponents who had taken just one point from their previous nine games.

Frank’s side were predictable in attack, their constant deliveries into the area dealt with comfortably by Johnstone. Mohammed Kudus saw a close-range header tipped against the bar, while Lucas Bergvall squandered a clear first-half opening.

The home side lacked urgency after falling behind and created little of note, their play characterised by loose passing and blunt forward play.

Yet when Spurs most needed inspiration, Palhinha delivered. His late strike ensured they remain third in the table, four points adrift of Liverpool.

Which players stood out for the home side?

Micky van de Ven: Read the danger well whenever Wolves looked to break and provided composure at the back when others around him were faltering.

Joao Palhinha: Faded in midfield after the interval, struggling to make his usual interceptions. Produced a fine strike at the death to rescue a point.

Mohammed Kudus: Outstanding in the first half, with one effort disallowed for offside and a header pushed onto the bar. Drove at defenders with purpose but his influence waned after the break, like much of the team.