Tottenham survived a near-death experience, scoring a dramatic late winner with eight minutes remaining... but failed to escape the relegation zone... Hwang Hee-chan entered as a substitute

*This content was translated by AI.

Tottenham survived a near-death experience. With a precious late winner, they secured their first league victory of the year.

On the 25th (Korean time), Tottenham defeated Wolverhampton 1-0 in an away match at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, in Round 34 of the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL). This was Tottenham's first league win of the year and their first points gained in four months since their victory over Crystal Palace last December. Thanks to this result, Tottenham escaped a prolonged slump of 15 consecutive matches without a win.

Tottenham's club record for the longest winless streak in league history is 16 matches (December 1934 to April 1935). With this shameful record looming, they managed to smile narrowly.

However, Tottenham failed to escape the relegation zone. On the same day, West Ham, competing in the same standings battle, also defeated Everton 2-1. In the dying moments of the match, West Ham striker Callum Wilson scored the winning goal, crushing Tottenham fans' hopes.

Currently, Tottenham sits in 18th place in the league with 8 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses (34 points), while West Ham is in 17th place with 9 wins, 9 draws, and 16 losses (36 points).

The savior for Tottenham today was midfielder Joao Palhinha. With the team in dire straits in the 37th minute of the second half, he scored a dramatic winning goal. In a corner kick situation, Richarlison evaded the opposing defense's pressure and passed the ball, and Palhinha, positioned in front of the goal, fell while shooting and shook the net.

In stoppage time of the second half, Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky also saved a spectacular free-kick shot from the opponent, securing the team's victory.

Football statistics outlet FotMob awarded the highest rating of 8.1 to Tottenham defender Pedro Porro. Although he had no attacking points, he actively covered the flanks and contributed significantly. Goalkeeper Kinsky also received a rating of 8.1. Palhinha, the "hero of the winning goal," was rated 7.6.

British Reuters reported, "Tottenham secured their first win in 16 league matches thanks to Palhinha's winning goal," adding, "Tottenham managed only two effective shots today, but one of them was Palhinha's winner. Without this goal, Tottenham would have fallen even deeper."

Palhinha stated, "This victory against Wolverhampton means more than just a win for me, the fans, and the entire club. There are four matches remaining. I hope this win will change this situation. Since we haven't had a victory for a long time, I believe it will provide a bit more motivation. We will do our best until the end, and the place where Tottenham belongs is right here in the Premier League."

In the future, Tottenham will face Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton.

Meanwhile, Korean striker Hwang Hee-chan was substituted in during the 40th minute of the second half. Due to limited playing time, he did not get many opportunities. He recorded six touches of the ball.

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*This content was translated by AI.