Palhinha Late Strike Denies Wolves First Win Of Season | OneFootball

Tottenham snatch late point against Wolves in dramatic finish

Wolves’ progress undermined by late heartbreak

For Wolves, this was supposed to be the turning point. A night when the losing streak was halted, when the frustrations of a faltering season finally gave way to relief. Santiago Bueno’s scrappy second-half goal had them within touching distance of a first Premier League win, only for Tottenham to break their hearts at the last.

Joao Palhinha’s thunderous strike in stoppage time tore past Sam Johnstone and into the net, salvaging a point for Spurs and denying Wolves the cathartic moment they craved. “We deserved to win,” reflected Wolves boss Vitor Pereira afterwards, frustration woven into every syllable.

Bueno breakthrough offers glimpse of resilience

After nine consecutive league games trailing at half-time, Wolves steadied themselves here. Pereira, buoyed by Tuesday’s Carabao Cup triumph over Everton, resisted the urge to rotate heavily and instead trusted the side that had rediscovered some confidence.

Their faith was rewarded on 54 minutes. Bueno, the unlikely poacher, bundled home after Vicario’s initial save rebounded into Palhinha, before ricocheting kindly back into his path. It was hardly a thing of beauty, but for Wolves it felt like vindication — a product of persistence and renewed belief.

Tottenham frustration and Palhinha’s intervention

Spurs had sensed an opportunity. With Liverpool beaten earlier in the day, victory would have lifted them within two points of the summit. Yet for much of the game, they appeared predictable and blunt. Crosses were swallowed up by Johnstone, who repaid Pereira’s faith with authority and agility, twice denying Kudus and tipping one header onto the crossbar.

Frank admitted afterwards, “We lost our structure after Wolves scored.” That fragility was clear, as Tottenham laboured, sloppy in possession and short on inspiration.

And then, salvation. Deep into added time, Palhinha stepped forward, hammering a shot that no goalkeeper could have stopped. Relief surged through north London. Spurs stayed third, clinging to the chase, even if their performance betrayed flaws.

Signs of hope for Wolves despite setback

For Wolves, optimism can be salvaged. Their defensive shape held firm for long spells, their pressing unsettled Spurs, and their confidence looked slowly restored. Pereira’s men may have left empty-handed, but in the larger picture, this was evidence they can compete with the league’s better sides.

Tottenham, meanwhile, escape with a point that feels more like a reprieve than progress. The result kept them in the hunt, but the questions about creativity, resilience and structure remain unanswered.