Tottenham player ratings vs Wolves: Joao Palhinha to the rescue as save shot-shy strikers | OneFootball

Another late show against Wolves to keep Spurs’ survival hopes alive

Joao Palhinha scored an 82nd-minute winner as Tottenham secured their first league win of the calendar year with a 1-0 win away to Wolves.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Tottenham players at Molineux…

Antonin Kinsky 7

Did not have much to do as Tottenham dominated possession, with Wolves dropping deep in the first-half. Came off his line sharply to deny Armstrong following a mix-up between Van de Ven and Danso. Then made a match-winning save to keep out a late Wolves free-kick.

Put in some inviting early deliveries and defended well up against the exciting Mateus Mane. Showed plenty of attacking initiative.

Kevin Danso 6

A mix-up between him and Van de Ven nearly gifted Wolves the lead in the second-half. Struggled to inject tempo into Spurs’ game with his passing. Recovered well after a difficult week.

Had a lot of success against Brighton when taking the ball on the front foot and driving forward, but lacked that aggressiveness even as Spurs dominated possession against Wolves. Marshalled the defence well as Spurs held on amidst some late Wolves pressure.

Djed Spence 7

Coming in for the injured Destiny Udogie, he made some encouraging runs down the left flank but was unable to really influence the game with the ball at his feet. A solid performance from the Englishman.

Yves Bissouma 6

On the end of a heavy tackle from Andre at the end of the first-half, he was composed under pressure and was eager to turn the ball over and get Spurs playing forward. Replaced by Joao Palhinha just past the hour mark.

Provided some calm and balance at the base of midfield without really getting on the ball and drifting forward as he typically likes to. Struggled for the same control after the break, picking up a booking for a foul on Mane. Forced an excellent save from Sa with a header from a corner.

Conor Gallagher 5

Another scrappy performance, that, while not lacking in effort, needed more quality.

Randal Kolo Muani 5

De Zerbi admitted pre-match that Kolo Muani’s best position was not on the right wing, and while he made a promising start, the French forward drifted badly as Spurs became lax in possession. Replaced at half-time after another frustrating performance.

Dominic Solanke 5

Could not get into the game and was guilty of giving away a number of cheap fouls. Replaced in the 38th minute after going down off the ball, clutching his leg.

The Dutchman’s season looks at risk of being over after he was stretchered off just past the hour mark with what looks like a serious knee injury. Had struggled to stamp his mark on the game before that.

Richarlison 6

Fired over wildly at the start of the second-half before coming agonisingly close to reaching Porro’s cross. Scrapped away well as his blocked shot fell kindly for Palhinha to score.

Mathys Tel 7

Injected some energy and incisiveness early in the second-half. His intensity forced the corner from which Spurs took the lead.

Lucas Bergvall 6

Relieved some late Wolves pressure by drawing a foul from Andre as Spurs dug in to secure three points.

Joao Palhinha 8

Has come up with some huge late goals this season, two of which have come against Wolves. Reacted superbly to stab home the loose ball and give Spurs a priceless late lead.

Radu Dragusin N/A

Made an important interception on the edge of the area to stop a late Wolves attack.