How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
Roberto De Zerbi saves Spurs but a long summer of soul-searching still lies ahead
Celebrations: Joao Palhinha is mobbed after scoring
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Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
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Tottenham will be playing Premier League football next season after securing their first home top-flight win since December against Everton.
On an afternoon of high tension on the final day of the campaign, Spurs started on the front foot and deservedly took the lead when Joao Palhinha scrambled the ball over the line after his initial header had rebounded back off the post.
Everton pushed for an equaliser after the break, but even after an agonising 11 minutes of added time, Spurs held on to consign West Ham to a place in the Championship.
Spurs secure survival on their terms
Roberto De Zerbi’s stunned expression following the full-time whistle said it all. Securing Spurs’ Premier League survival is his greatest achievement in management so far.
Taking a club as well-run as Brighton to Europe is one thing. Fabian Hurzeler has proved that such a feat was no miracle.
But taking over a dysfunctional heavyweight like Tottenham with seven games to go and without a league win in 2026, and dragging them to safety, takes guts, confidence and a remarkable amount of composure.
De Zerbi has shown another side to his combustible character to save Spurs from the embarrassment of relegation.
Job done: Roberto De Zerbi said keeping Tottenham up was his greatest achievement in management so far
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His wild celebrations when the full-time whistle blew were more than warranted. He has been holding back emotionally ever since he took charge and deserved his moment as Spurs’ players collapsed around him.
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Spurs will be playing Premier League football next season, but not before a summer of soul-searching.
Pockets of supporter protests after the game are not without their reasons, and those who hold the power in the boardroom have plenty to answer for.
De Zerbi will be chief among those asking the hard questions as he looks to build something sustainable at a club beset by turmoil in the last 12 months.
Palhinha proves man for the big occasion
Joao Palhinha may just be on loan, but even if he does not make his move to Spurs permanent this summer, he has left an indelible mark on the club.
The Portuguese midfielder has consistently popped up with big goals in big moments this season, but there is no doubt that his 43rd-minute strike on Sunday was by far the most important.
Reacting quickest after his initial header had come back off the post, Palhinha careered over to the home bench to celebrate with his team-mates as Spurs took a huge step towards safety.
Just as the nerves had begun to set in, Palhinha stepped up to send the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into pandemonium.
If Palhinha’s winning goal against Wolves was the start of Spurs’ road to recovery, then it was apt that he should be the one to secure their survival.
They say never fall in love with a loan player, but De Zerbi is 100 per cent determined to keep hold of Palhinha. His performances over the last few months have been pivotal to keeping Spurs up.
Making his mark: Joao Palhinha has proved instrumental in Spurs avoiding a disastrous relegation
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Spence gamble pays off
Following Randal Kolo Muani’s ineffective display away at Chelsea on Tuesday, De Zerbi was left with little choice but to make a change at right wing.
Pushing Spence up into attack would not have been his first choice but, given Spurs’ injury issues, the Italian was left with no option.
It was a decision that paid off in the end, though, with Spence confident and direct in attack while also offering support defensively.
Buoyed by his surprise call-up to England’s World Cup squad, Spence played with a point to prove and was at times the furthest forward player for Spurs.
De Zerbi has been keen not to make too many changes to his starting lineup, which is why Kolo Muani has had more than enough opportunities to turn around his wretched form.
Supported by the imperious Pedro Porro, Spence ensured Spurs were able to keep the pressure on Everton in the first half before he dropped into a more defensive role as safety drew closer.
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How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
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Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi confirms the player he '100 per cent' wants to sign for Spurs
De Zerbi confirms the player he '100 per cent' wants to sign for Spurs
How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
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Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi confirms the player he '100 per cent' wants to sign for Spurs
De Zerbi confirms the player he '100 per cent' wants to sign for Spurs
How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
How to sleep in a heatwave: 10 tips to cool down at night
The atmosphere was electric inside and outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur fans celebrate after the team secured safety from relegation
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Michael Howie
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Tottenham Hotspur fans were overwhelmed with a heady mixture of joy and relief as their team survived the Premier League relegation scrap with West Ham on Sunday.
A draw or victory against the visitors would have guaranteed Spurs avoid a catastrophic drop into the Championship.
However, defeat to Everton combined with a West Ham win at home to Leeds United would have made every Tottenham fan’s worst nightmare come true.
In the end, Spurs eased to a one-nil victory, securing their top flight status when just a few weeks ago it looked more likely than not that they would go down.
A three-nil win for West Ham was not enough to save them from the dreaded drop.
Here are a few pictures of the joyous scenes in the stands at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
Tottenham Hotspur fans celebrate after the team secured safety from relegation
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans celebrate after the team secured safety from relegation during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans look on from the stands after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Even before the game, the atmosphere was electric in north London as home supporters pushed any fears of relegation following a dismal season to the back of their minds.
Photographers were on hand to capture the party atmosphere ahead of the Everton match.
White and blue flares were set off and traffic cones held aloft as fans descended on the 62,850-capacity stadium, chanting: “Come on you Spurs”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham fans wearing masks of Roberto De Zerbi as they welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Fans of Tottenham Hotspur gather in the streets to show their support outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Pedro Porro and Antonin Kinsky also step up as West Ham consigned to relegation on final day
Relief: Joao Palhinha scored the only goal of the game as Tottenham beat Everton on the final day
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Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
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Tottenham secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season as they beat Everton 1-0.
Spurs took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Joao Palhinha scrambled home on the rebound after his header from a corner hit the post.
Everton chased an equaliser after the break, but Spurs held on to consign West Ham to relegation and ensure they avoided dropping into the second division for the first time since 1977.
Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players...
Antonin Kinsky 6
Did not have much to do, which will have pleased Roberto De Zerbi greatly. Did well to dominate his box as Everton pushed for a late equaliser and pulled off a superb save to deny Tyrique George in stoppage time.
Djed Spence 7
Confident and direct playing out of position on the right wing. He constantly called for the ball in behind and was not afraid to take his man on.
Micky van de Ven 7
While his aggression in the tackle was readily penalised by referee Michael Oliver, he was superb in the air as Everton struggled to make their presence felt in attack.
Scrambled the ball clear via a deflection off Archie Gray as Everton pressed for a late equaliser.
Kevin Danso 7
Dominant in both boxes, he handled the unpredictable Thierno Barry well. Took a nasty knock towards the end, a sign of his determination to get Spurs over the line.
Destiny Udogie 6
While Mathys Tel provided the width, Udogie exploited the space through the middle and gave Spurs’ attack another option to play off.
Joao Palhinha 8
The man for the big occasion, he scored on the stroke of half-time to give Spurs a priceless lead. No player made more defensive contributions than the Portuguese midfielder.
Rodrigo Bentancur 6
An imperfect performance, but still showed his class to give Spurs balance in midfield. His confidence under pressure gives them so much control in possession.
Conor Gallagher 6
Got Spurs on the front foot early on. Chased after the ball, but was also determined to make things happen in possession.
Pedro Porro 8
When Spurs needed to keep their cool after news of West Ham’s first goal had filtered through, Porro stepped up. Flew into challenges but held his nerve as Spurs earned their first home league win since December.
Richarlison 6
Provided a useful supporting role as he held the ball up well and brought others into play. Replaced as Spurs looked to shore up in midfield.
Mathys Tel 6
Had Jake O’Brien right where he wanted him after his neat turn got the Everton defender booked inside 13 minutes. Replaced late on.
Subs
Randal Kolo Muani 6
Dropped after a disappointing performance against Chelsea earlier in the week. He nearly nicked the ball from Jordan Pickford in stoppage time.
Pape Matar Sarr 5
Booked for simulation after going down too easily under the challenge of Tim Iroegbunam.
James Maddison N/A
Came on to huge cheers. Another step forward in his rehabilitation after what he described in an interview with the club’s matchday programme as the toughest 12 months of his life.
Archie Gray N/A
Inadvertently got the ball away as Van de Ven’s crucial clearance deflected off him.
Radu Dragusin N/A
Unused: Vicario, Bissouma, Bergvall, Solanke.
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The atmosphere was electric as thousands of Tottenham supporters made their way to the ground
Spurs fans before the crunch final Premier League match against Everton
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Michael Howie
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Thousands of Spurs fans were in high spirits as they took over the streets near the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of their crunch final Premier League match of the season.
The atmosphere was electric in north London as home supporters seem to dispel the prospect of relegation following a dismal season.
A draw or victory against the visitors would guarantee Spurs avoid a catastrophic drop into the Championship.
However, defeat to Everton combined with a West Ham win against Leeds United would make every Tottenham fan’s worst nightmare come true.
Photographers were on hand to capture the party atmosphere ahead of the Everton match.
White and blue flares were set off and traffic cones held aloft as fans descended on the 62,850-capacity stadium, chanting: “Come on you Spurs”
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham Hotspur fans welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Tottenham fans wearing masks of Roberto De Zerbi as they welcome in their team bus prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Fans of Tottenham Hotspur gather in the streets to show their support outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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