The Independent

Wolves v Tottenham LIVE: Latest score and updates from Premier League clash  The Independent

Tottenham are staring down the barrel of the unthinkable: relegation from the Premier League. The tide is not shifting after last-gasp heartbreak was compounded by results not going their way in recent matches.

Relegation for a Spurs side that won the Europa League last season, reached the Champions League knockout stage this term and has spent just one season outside the top flight since 1950 would go down as one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history. Roberto De Zerbi is now the man tasked with engineering an escape, but Brighton scoring a last-minute equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday evening felt like a dagger into the heart of Spurs supporters.

Leeds have pulled clear of the relegation zone after back-to-back victories against Manchester United and Wolves and a draw away at Bournemouth, while Nottingham Forest scored a huge 5-0 win at Sunderland on Friday evening and West Ham also picked up precious points in recent weeks, including grinding out a goalless draw at Crystal Palace last time out.

That Hammers result confirmed Wolves’ demotion, and they have now been joined by Burnley after the Clarets fell to a 1-0 loss at home to Manchester City to confirm their return to the Championship.

With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here’s how the rest of the crucial relegation run-in is shaping up.

Position: 15th | Played: 34 | Points: 40 | GD: -7

Remaining fixtures:

Where to pick up points? The fixtures fell fairly kindly for Leeds and after their seminal win over Manchester United – a first league victory at Old Trafford since 1981 – as well as a 3-0 home victory over Wolves and a 2-2 draw to Bournemouth, it looks probable that they will secure Premier League football next season. They have now reached the 40-point mark and they’ll be eyeing up the home fixture against Burnley to get over the line. Away games against relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham also look like prime opportunities to get results on the board.

Tricky contests? They’ve passed their toughest test on paper with flying colours by beating United, which was their last game against a top-five team. Nevertheless, hosting European football-chasing Brighton in their penultimate fixture won’t be easy. Will a FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea this weekend prove to be a welcome distraction or a hindrance?

Final straight? Leeds look safe, but they will be desperate to have that secured by the time they travel to West Ham on the final day. If not, that could be a high-octane shootout for survival. Games against Brighton and Spurs immediately preceding that aren’t too unfriendly as finales go.

Position: 16th | Played: 34 | Points: 39 | GD: -4

Remaining fixtures:

Where to pick up points? Forest had to make the most of a home fixture against doomed Burnley and, inspired by a 15-minute Morgan Gibbs-White hat-trick, they seized that golden opportunity. They then followed that up with a statement 5-0 thrashing of a Sunderland side who are largely on the beach. That could be enough to get over the line. If not, a home game against a struggling Newcastle side who may have nothing to play for could be their best chance.

Tricky contests? Games against three of the current top eight still await Forest with trips to Manchester United and Chelsea on the docket, plus a home finale against Bournemouth. Forest also have to negotiate a Europa League semi-final with Aston Villa, which may prove a distraction.

Final straight? It’s not the best with a journey to Old Trafford on the penultimate day of the season far from ideal and then hosting Bournemouth on the final day also a tricky finish. A home match against a floundering Newcastle as their antepenultimate fixture could be worse though. Things could be complicated by their Europa League distraction, however.

Position: 17th | Played: 33 | Points: 33 | GD: -17

Remaining fixtures:

Where to pick up points? Their impressive form since hugely damaging back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest at the start of the year have seen West Ham go from doomed to having a genuine chance of survival – even climbing out of the bottom three by thumping Wolves 4-0 straight after the international break. Another point at Crystal Palace may be seen as two lost rather than one gained considering the Eagles’ form, however, and they now enter a run of tricky tests. Welcoming Leeds to the London Stadium on the final day looms incredibly large and could prove pivotal.

Tricky contests? The Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H) run from this weekend to early May does not look very friendly. The games after that run appear to be much better chances to pick up the points the Hammers need to pull off an impressive escape.

Final straight? If West Ham can get through this upcoming three-game stretch with a realistic shot at survival then an away game against Newcastle and a home clash with Leeds to finish the season might just be the ticket to get them clear of the drop zone. The final-day showdown against Daniel Farke’s side could be an all-time classic but won’t be a pretty watch if both sides are still fighting for their lives. However, Leeds might already be safe by then and the fact that the Whites are coming to the London Stadium at least plays into Nuno and co’s hands.

Position: 18th | Played: 33 | Points: 31 | GD: -11

Remaining fixtures:

Where to pick up points? At the moment, Spurs can’t pick up a win from anywhere... They haven’t won for 16 league matches, with their last Premier League triumph coming against Crystal Palace back in December. Spurs looked set to end that miserable run after Xavi Simons fired the hosts ahead against Brighton last Saturday but Georginio Rutter struck at the death to deny Roberto de Zerbi’s side. On paper, a game away to Wolves this afternoon has to end up with three points, and a potentially pivotal clash with Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium three matches from the end of the campaign is also a golden opportunity. But every fixture is tough currently.

Tricky contests? Sidestepping the obvious quip of ‘every single one’, given their recent form, away games at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and Chelsea in May don’t look too fruitful.

Final straight? Leeds at home as the third-last game is absolutely huge. Should that game go awry and Spurs head into the final two matches in the relegation zone, then a trip to Stamford Bridge and clash with Everton to finish up appear unlikely to provide succour.

This could genuinely go in any direction and you’d have to be a brave person to predict the outcome with any confidence.

It could still all come down to the final day when West Ham host Leeds, Spurs play Everton and Nottingham Forest host Bournemouth. Leeds generally have the kindest fixtures and should have enough to survive given the points they have recently picked up.

Forest’s last two results have been massive, given that they could have beeen adversely affected by their Europa League run and probably need to have survival wrapped up going into the final couple of games, while West Ham’s boosted their chances with that Wolves win.

Meanwhile, Spurs could be in real trouble if De Zerbi doesn’t flip the club’s fortunes and fast. Today’s Wolves match is simply a must-win and if they don’t emerge with three points then you’d really begin to fear that the worst is probable rather than just possible for Spurs. But things can change within the week.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is holding onto the belief that a single victory can dramatically alter the course of his side’s season, even as he grapples with a mounting injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s crucial trip to already-relegated Wolves.

Spurs remain entrenched in the Premier League’s bottom three for another week, two points adrift of safety, following a late equaliser conceded in their 2-2 draw against Brighton last Saturday.

This result extended their winless run in the top flight to a concerning 15 matches, intensifying the pressure on the club to avoid a catastrophic relegation, their first since 1977.

De Zerbi’s challenge is compounded by significant personnel issues. Left-back Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a muscle problem, while first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario remains unavailable after hernia surgery, meaning Antonin Kinsky will continue to deputise between the posts.

Midfield playmaker James Maddison, though travelling with the squad, is not expected to contribute significantly after being an unused substitute against Brighton, casting further doubt on his immediate impact.

Despite the bleak outlook, De Zerbi urged his team to play without undue pressure.

"It’s a tough game because they have nothing to lose," he stated. "It’s an important game for us, for sure, but we have to be able to play with not too much pressure."

He defended his squad against external criticism, adding: "I found good players, good guys, serious players and they follow me. They believe in my words because I am able to recognise the eyes of the players."

“We are suffering, they are suffering because it is not easy to play in Tottenham in this condition of the table, but I said they have to be stronger and they have to live to win a game.

"We have to live every part of the day waiting for a win and preparing for a win because I think with a win we can change this part of the season."

It was revealed on Friday that Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Spurs captain Cristian Romero during De Zerbi’s debut loss in charge.

"Can we play that game again or not? I think not," De Zerbi remarked. "It was clear but no problem. We have to move on."

Kevin Danso is set to start again for Tottenham, and De Zerbi spoke out strongly against the racist abuse the defender endured following his error against Brighton.

"I was very annoyed by the racist insults towards Kevin, but he has to be calm. I’m proud for him," the manager affirmed.

Regarding Maddison’s presence, De Zerbi clarified his role despite fitness concerns.

"He is not available yet, especially in this week. He felt pain but not so important problem," he explained.

"Tomorrow he will come with us on the bench because he is important. If he plays or not, it doesn’t matter. As a guy, as a leader, he is a positive guy. Inside of my dressing room I want to see nice people, positive people and this is important also for his team-mates."

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes he already has a "special connection" with Xavi Simons after the playmaker starred in Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

De Zerbi, a former creative midfielder himself during his playing days, told SpursPlay: "He’s lucky to work with me – not because I’m good, because I was number 10. What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection.

“I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists."

Simons, a £52million arrival from RB Leipzig last summer, was instrumental against Brighton. He created Pedro Porro's opener, struck the post, and then fired Tottenham back in front with a spectacular 77th-minute strike.

However, Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter snatched a stoppage-time equaliser. He has two goals and five assists in 27 top-flight appearances this term.

De Zerbi has one point from six since replacing Igor Tudor, after starting with a 1-0 loss at Sunderland earlier this month.

Tottenham remain a point from safety, and will be four points behind if West Ham win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Still seeking a first league win of 2026, Spurs face bottom club Wolves on Saturday.

De Zerbi remains confident in Simons' potential as Tottenham look to avoid the dreaded drop.

"He played very well, a great game," he said. "I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs."

Spurs have five games to secure Premier League survival, and Simon could have a crucial role to play.

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Tottenham defender receives racist abuse after Brighton draw

Andy Sims

Sunday 19 April 2026 11:44 BST

Tottenham Hotspur has strongly condemned the "vile, dehumanising racism" aimed at defender Kevin Danso on social media.

The abuse followed Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brighton, where Danso was implicated in the stoppage-time equaliser that left Spurs in the Premier League relegation zone.

The club has reported the racist abuse to the Metropolitan Police and other relevant authorities, pledging to pursue the strongest possible action against perpetrators.

Tottenham affirmed their "complete and unconditional support" for Danso, saying that performance on the pitch can never excuse or explain racist abuse.

This incident occurred during the Premier League’s dedicated "No Room For Racism" weekend and follows several other recent cases of racist abuse targeting players in English football.

Tottenham Hotspur has issued a strong condemnation of the “vile, dehumanising racism” aimed at defender Kevin Danso, which followed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brighton.

The abuse surfaced after Danso was implicated in the concession of Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time equaliser, a result that left Spurs languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

The club has confirmed that it has reported the racist abuse, received via social media, to the police.

In a statement, Tottenham said that the incidents occurred during the Premier League’s dedicated “No Room For Racism” weekend.

“Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton... Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media,” the club said.

They labelled such behaviour as “without doubt a criminal offence” and said that it “will not be tolerated”.

Tottenham are pursuing “immediate action”, reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police, as well as to the appropriate authorities in the countries where perpetrators reside, and to the relevant social media platforms.

The club have pledged to “push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify”.

They also affirmed their “complete and unconditional support” for Danso, stating: “No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.

“Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not.”

In February, an “appalling weekend” rocked English football after four players were subjected to racist abuse on their social media accounts following recent matches.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri both shared images of racist messages they privately received on Instagram after their teams’ 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare also displayed racially aggravated messages sent to him on Instagram following a 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace, a game in which he had a penalty saved.

And last week, Sunderland condemned racist abuse directed towards Brian Brobbey on social media and offered the striker their full support.

Roberto De Zerbi issued a rallying cry to his deflated Tottenham players and insisted they can win their last five Premier League games this season to avoid a catastrophic relegation.

Spurs will spend another week in the bottom three after they suffered heartbreak in a 2-2 draw at home to Brighton when Georginio Rutter’s stoppage-time leveller denied them a first league win of 2026.

A thunderbolt by Xavi Simons after 77 minutes sent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into pandemonium, but the north London club’s winless league run stands at 15 matches after late drama in N17 followed Pedro Porro’s opener being cancelled out by a sumptuous Kaoru Mitoma volley.

Even though Spurs’ players collapsed at full-time, De Zerbi claimed to be more confident of survival after he picked up the first point of his reign against old club Brighton.

West Ham are a point ahead of Tottenham in 17th ahead of Monday’s trip to Crystal Palace, but De Zerbi backed his squad to win their remaining matches with Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton to avoid a first relegation since 1977.

“I always thought and believed in the quality of the players,” De Zerbi insisted.

“They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality.

“It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, it is a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points.

“This team is able to win five games in a row. Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row.

“Not to be arrogant because I am not arrogant, especially now, but we have the quality enough to fight and win games in a row.”

When De Zerbi was asked how he would lift his players, the Italian fired a warning to any member of the club down in the dumps.

De Zerbi added: “They have to be stronger and be focused longer and come to (the) training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile otherwise they go home.

“I have no time to see negative people or to see sad players or (a) sad assistant. No, we are lucky because we are working at a big club, a big stadium, we are working in Premier League and we have the quality, the right quality to win the game – so we have to be positive. I don’t like the people who cry and who think in (a) negative way.”

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler echoed the sentiments of De Zerbi and backed Spurs to stay up.

“Yeah, definitely. I also could say before the game. What they have is individual quality. I think they have unbelievable players in their squad,” Hurzeler reflected.

“They have players in their frontline that can make a difference. They have enough quality in their squad to make it happen.”

Brighton are ninth and a point behind seventh-placed Brentford in the battle for European qualification.

“In the end it’s a point and a point we will take. It’s a point we can make really positive and that’s our responsibility,” Hurzeler said.

Tottenham remain in the Premier League relegation zone after they were stunned by a stoppage-time leveller from Brighton substitute Georginio Rutter during a pulsating 2-2 draw in Roberto De Zerbi’s home debut.

Spurs looked set to end a 15-match winless in the top-flight when Xavi Simons produced a superb 77th-minute strike to spark wild celebrations.

Xavi’s fine effort followed up his assist for Pedro Porro’s opener after 39 minutes, which was cancelled out by Kaoru Mitoma in first-half stoppage-time.

However, scenes of jubilation turned to disbelief when Kevin Danso lost possession in the fifth minute of time added on and Rutter curled home to ensure the spoils were shared.

It denied De Zerbi’s team a first victory in charge and means Tottenham will stay in the bottom three for another week with only five matches left to prevent a first relegation since 1977.

Spurs had spent a whole week in the relegation zone, but there was an air of positivity in N17 with James Maddison surprisingly named in the matchday squad for the first time this season and Xavi back in the starting line-up.

A sea of white flags welcomed the teams before De Zerbi’s pleasantries with his old players was followed by multiple warnings by the fourth official Ben Toner for walking onto the pitch.

Clear-cut action was limited, but Tottenham had penalty appeals waved away in the 10th-minute after Destiny Udogie tangled with Brighton attacker Yankuba Minteh.

Diego Gomez limped off for the visitors soon after, before Xavi went close with a low effort deflected wide.

Brighton enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure afterwards and Spurs stand-in captain Micky van de Ven smashed a clearance against the post to deny Danny Welbeck after a dangerous Jack Hinshelwood knockdown, before Antonin Kinsky saved Welbeck’s header.

After Tottenham survived, De Zerbi watched the first goal of his era come from Porro. Xavi was central to it with a wonderful clipped cross and Porro stole in to head over Bart Verbruggen.

Two minutes later and it should have been 2-0 when Dominic Solanke passed into Xavi, who cut inside Ferdi Kadioglu but curled the ball against the post from eight yards and Porro’s follow-up was tipped over by Verbruggen.

It would prove costly when Mitoma lashed home on the volley in supreme fashion from an equally impressive Pascal Gross cross.

Hinshelwood headed wide before half-time and Brighton picked up where they left off after the break with Danso forced to clear ahead of Welbeck and then block an effort by Mitoma.

De Zerbi received a caution soon after for going down the touchline again before a raft of substitutes sparked a grand finale.

Joao Palhinha went close after his introduction before Lucas Bergvall marked his entrance with a key role in Xavi’s goal.

Bergvall won back possession from Jan Paul van Hecke and played in Xavi, who made space against Mats Wieffer and curled sumptuously beyond Verbruggen.

Wild scenes in front of the South Stand were followed by a bout of cramp for Xavi, before the late twist in the tale.

Danso wanted too long on the ball inside the area and Van Hecke stole in and teed up Rutter to break Tottenham hearts and prevent the hosts moving out of the bottom three.

Tottenham host Brighton this afternoon knowing that they need to win if they stand any chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

It has been a nightmare season for Spurs and could end in horrifying fashion if they cannot find a way to end their win drought and move up the table. They are currently sat 18th, inside the relegation zone, but have not won a league match since a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the end of December.

Roberto de Zerbi has been brought in to be bring stability to the club after both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor were sacked from the head coach role but his tenure started with a loss to Sunderland after Nordi Mukiele’s second half strike.

Spurs are also up against a strong team in Brighton who entered the weekend in ninth just two points behind sixth placed Chelsea. Sixth is likely to secure European football next year so the Seagulls still have it all to play for and will want to build on their run of victories when they head to London today.

Is Tottenham v Brighton on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Premier League fixture  The Independent