Tottenham Hotspur salvaged its Premier League status in the nick of time as Joao Palhinha’s first-half goal earned a priceless 1-0 home victory against Everton on Sunday.
Only an 11th home league defeat of a miserable season could have sent Tottenham down for the first time since 1977, but Palhinha’s 43rd-minute effort erased that nightmare scenario.
It meant West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Leeds United was in vain as Tottenham finished 17th on 41 points, two points ahead of its London rival, which was relegated.
Tottenham’s victory completed an escape mission led by Roberto de Zerbi who has rejuvenated the team since taking charge little more than a month ago with Spurs deep in trouble.
After an afternoon of nerves and 10 agonising minutes of stoppage time in which every Tottenham clearance was cheered, the final whistle was met by huge relief and celebrations.
West Ham fans feared the worst after news of Spurs’ first-half goal spread around the ground, but Taty Castellanos gave them hope with a 67th-minute header. Jarrod Bowen doubled the lead with 10 minutes left and Callum Wilson added a late third.
That meant West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League was over and Tottenham will be in the top division for a 49th straight season.
Published on May 24, 2026