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Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with an experienced centre-back at Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but one of the Lilywhites’ rivals are determined to ruin the Italian’s plans.

Tottenham may be set for wholesale changes to their backline this summer, with reports indicating that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero could both exit Spurs.

Many Tottenham fans are excited about the prospect of seeing Luka Vuskovic back in North London next season on the back of his outstanding displays on loan at Hamburg.

However, it has emerged that De Zerbi also wants to bring an experienced defender through the door ahead of his first full season at the club.

Newcastle want to beat Tottenham to Jan Paul van Hecke

It emerged last week that Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with Jan Paul van Hecke at Spurs this summer, with the Dutch defender having just a year left on his contract in the South Coast.

However, according to Football Insider, Newcastle could throw a spanner into Spurs’ plans as they too have set their sights on the 25-year-old centre-back.

The Magpies have are now ‘trying to position themselves towards the front of the queue’ for Van Hecke as he contemplates a big move this summer.

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The outlet states that Eddie Howe’s men are ready to undertake a major rebuild this summer, and they want the Brighton man to be a part of the project.

They are expected to have the funds to complete a deal as the Newcastle owners get ready to sanction a big summer spend.

Brighton trying to tie down Van Hecke to a new contract

Football Insider make it clear that the Seagulls’ priority is to tie down the Netherlands international to a new contract before the summer.

However, if Fabian Hurzeler’s side do not make any progress in contract talks with Van Hecke, they will cash in on him this summer rather than wait until January.

The publication adds that as things stand, the centre-back is unlikely to sign a new deal at the South Coast club as the interest in his services intensifies.

Spurs finally returned to winning ways for the first time in 2026 with a late 1-0 victory over Wolves. While Pedro Porro may not have grabbed the headlines as much as he did against Brighton, the right-back still showed how undeniably important he is to Tottenham.

Though Porro was not the man of the match on the ground, it remained one of Spurs’ more reliable passages going on for a part. His desire to get forward and deliver from out wide offered Tottenham some sense of purpose in possession during a game where clear chances were naturally rare.

One of the more prominent attacking presences early on was Randal Kolo Muani, who started but was replaced by Tel at halftime and did not resume.

A large chunk of that was within a scorching first 20 minutes, when Porro’s awareness to aim for runs in behind arrived in spades for the French forward’s threat.

Even though Kolo Muani’s passing was wayward, those combinations being initiated from the Spaniard accounted for some of Spurs’ most dangerous moments in the first period.

Pedro Porro’s importance to Tottenham is reflected in the stats

That steady influence was reflected in his match statistics, according to FotMob data. Porro finished the game with 99 touches, underlining just how involved he was throughout, while also completing 18 passes in the final third and creating two chances.

These were not necessarily numbers that desperately screamed domination, however they do illustrate his relative significance within the framework of Tottenham’s attacking play, which on a day such as this was decided by small margins, was fine, and where control was not always assured.

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Defensively, he also contributed with 12 actions, showing a balanced performance that combined attacking intent with defensive responsibility.

Why Porro is more than a full-back for Spurs

What is still the best aspect of Porro’s game is his role within this Tottenham team. He’s not a full-back in the traditional sense where he is concerned with purely his defensive duties; instead, he’s expected to provide width, drive and attacking intent.

Even on a day when Spurs failed to make full use of their qualities, he still maintained a consistency to his output and was one of the only men consistently driving Spurs forward.

This consistency rather than flashy individual moments is shaping his performances.

This was not a star performance from Pedro Porro, nor did it need to have been. On a day when Tottenham had to just get the win, the contribution was subtle, it was consistent and, importantly, it was reliable.

While Spurs continue to look for a more fluid style, they take a step in the right direction today, and, in Porro, they have someone increasingly reliable to thank.

Quietly building his Spain case

The likes of these performances might not make many headlines, but they still improve his case in international terms. As the World Cup looms large, consistency could prove to be as important as a flashy display.

Though the competition in the Spanish team for his spot is vast, the simple nature of his consistent application within the Premier League certainly puts him in contention for being actually the best Spanish right-back alongside Marcos Llorente.

Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Wolves may have been decided by a late goal, but the real difference came from Antonin Kinsky, whose late save kept Spurs’ survival hopes alive and could prove to be a turning point for the Lilywhites.

For several weeks, Antonin Kinsky has been under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur. When Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out following hernia surgery in March, responsibility fell on the young goalkeeper. In a demanding Premier League relegation battle, errors are quickly punished.

As Spurs’ winless run extended to 15 games, Kinsky often became a focal point for frustration, playing behind a defence that struggled for consistency.

The 1-0 win over Wolves, however, offered a different narrative. While Joao Palhinha scored the decisive goal, Kinsky played a key role in securing the result.

How the Atletico Madrid setback influenced Antonin Kinsky’s Tottenham revival

It has not been an easy season for Antonin Kinsky. The 23-year-old had a tough Champions League debut, taken off in the 16th minute after two big mistakes against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Madrid. At that point, it felt like the Czech goalkeeper might not play again for Tottenham this season.

Questions were raised about his response to that setback. At Molineux, he provided an answer. In a period where Tottenham had been conceding late goals and losing control of matches, Kinsky appeared composed.

He dealt with crosses confidently and helped relieve pressure on Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, suggesting the Madrid match was a setback rather than a defining moment.

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The key moment for the lilywhite came in the 98th minute. With Wolves pushing for an equaliser, Joao Gomes hit a free-kick that looked like it was going into the top corner.

Kinsky reacted quickly and made a full-stretch save to push the ball away. It was a big moment in the game. More than keeping the lead, it helped Tottenham secure an important win in their fight to stay up and also end their winless run.

Kinsky or Vicario: Goalkeeping decision facing Roberto De Zerbi

With Guglielmo Vicario close to returning, Roberto De Zerbi now has an important decision to make. Vicario brings experience and leadership, which is important for a defence already missing Cristian Romero.

However, there are questions about his passing under pressure. Tottenham need a goalkeeper who is comfortable on the ball and can help build play from the back.

Kinsky, on the other hand, looks more confident with the ball. He seems calmer and fits the team’s way of playing better in that sense. Keeping a steady team could be important as Tottenham try to improve their season.

Kinsky has also been solid in the three games he has played under De Zerbi so far. He has looked more confident with his decisions and his passing than Vicario in recent matches.

Vicario is expected to return to training from Monday as he works his way back to full fitness after hernia surgery. However, based on Kinsky’s performances in the last three games, De Zerbi is unlikely to rush him straight back into the starting XI.

When Tottenham travel to Aston Villa next weekend, Kinsky looks set to keep his place in goal, with his recent form giving the manager a strong reason to stick with him.

Even when Vicario is fully fit, Kinsky should still get more playing time because of his form and how well he fits the team’s style. A more consistent team, with Kinsky in goal, could help Tottenham in their fight to avoid relegation.

Changing the goalkeeper again could affect a defence that looked more stable at Molineux. The decision now is between experience and how well each goalkeeper fits the team’s style, and whether Kinsky can be trusted as the main goalkeeper going forward.

Overall, Kinsky deserves to keep his place in the starting XI after showing strong character to bounce back from his difficult night in Madrid.

The final four games of the season and the challenge ahead

Tottenham are still in the bottom three, with the gap to West Ham at two points. The situation is still tough, but the win over Wolves gives them something to build on.

With recent injuries to key attacking players like Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke, a solid defence is now even more important. Kinsky’s performance showed he can handle pressure, which strengthens his case for staying in the team.

At this stage of the season, especially against Wolves, the result was the most important thing for Tottenham, who could not afford to drop more points after their relegation rivals picked up wins.

However, a performance like this, if repeated against Aston Villa next week, will not be enough to get another win. Tottenham registered just two shots on target and created only one big chance, with most of their threat coming from set-pieces. That level must improve against Villa next week if they are to get a better result.

We take a look to see Tottenham’s relegation chances have improved as per Opta’s Supercomputer after their first league win in nearly four months.

Roberto De Zerbi had boldly claimed that Tottenham could win all of their final five league games following their 2-2 draw with Brighton.

However, many would have wondered if the Italian really believed that or if he was simply saying that to boost the confidence of his players.

After all, Spurs had not won a league game since the start of 2026, but that changed at the Molineux Stadium, with the Lilywhites emerging with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Opta say Tottenham’s survival chances remain almost unchanged

Ahead of the weekend, Tottenham were given a 58.33 per cent chance of going down, compared to West Ham’s 36.9 per cent.

Opta’s Supercomputer has now updated its numbers after both the Hammers and Spurs picked up important Premier League wins on Saturday.

However, Tottenham’s relegation chances remain almost unchanged, with the data analysis platform suggesting that the Lilywhites have a 58.57 per cent chance of joining Wolves and Burnley in the Championship next season.

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West Ham’s relegation chances have gone up slightly to 38.26 per cent despite their win over the Toffees.

Nottingham Forest and Leeds are still not out of the relegation race

Opta seem to suggest that the race to avoid finishing 18th is between the Hammers and Spurs, with the wesbite giving Nottingham Forest and Leeds only a 1.89 per cent chance and 1.17 per cent chance respectively of going down.

However, Forest travel to Stamford Bridge next, and the game is sandwiched between the two legs of their Europa League semi-finals against Aston Villa.

A loss for Forest in West London and a win for Tottenham next weekend at Villa Park will see Spurs move to within two points of the Midlands side.

Spurs also play Leeds on May 12 and may have an opportunity to bring Daniel Farke’s side back into the relegation scrap with a win.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have reacted with fury following a contentious officiating decision in the West Ham and Everton game that could have significant implications for the club’s ongoing battle against Premier League relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur have Joao Palhinha to thank for the three points they secured in their game against Wolves on Saturday afternoon at Molineux.

The Portuguese goal proved crucial, ensuring Spurs secured their first victory in 118 days, one that keeps them two points adrift of safety.

However, the Premier League table could have looked very different for the Lilywhites had fellow relegation rivals West Ham United failed to secure victory in their own match against Everton.

Tottenham fans react to West Ham vs Everton penalty controversy

The stakes were not only high for Spurs, as Nuno’s West Ham side needed a victory to keep their place above the relegation zone.

They did manage a win, beating Everton 2-1, but the game was not without controversy. Everton had a strong appeal for a handball after Fernandes handled the ball in the box while attempting to mark Thierno Barry.

That shout was ultimately waved away by referee Stuart Attwell, while VAR agreed with the on-field decision. Had Everton been awarded a penalty, the result could have been different, and Spurs might have moved out of the relegation places.

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Several Tottenham fans, who feel hard done by the incident, have taken to social media to vent their frustrations. One fan reacted angrily to the decision, saying: “HOW IS THIS NOT A HANDBALL?? 😂😂You are a bunch of clowns @FA_PGMOL🤡” while another questioned the use of VAR: “VAR. What is it good for?”

A further supporter labelled the decision clear-cut, stating: “This is a stonewall penalty. You have to talk about corruption, surely.” Another fan added: “Nah what the f**k that’s actually ridiculous I’m in shock”

One more supporter accused officials of bias, commenting: “Corruption and they are not even trying to be subtle about it.”

A final fan also criticised the authorities, stating: “Because we never get the correct decision, we get pathetic apologies after the fact that mean nothing but have huge consequences for other teams. The @FA_PGMOL are appalling.”

Spurs frustrations grow over Premier League officiating decisions

Spurs fans certainly have every reason to question the decisions of match officials, given the number of controversies they have been involved in.

Just last week, the Premier League KMI admitted that the on-field decision by referee Rob Jones to keep Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey on the pitch after his challenge on Cristian Romero was incorrect.

Their ruling stated that the forward should have received a second booking for his reckless push on the Argentine, a decision that proved costly, as Tottenham were not only denied the chance to play against ten men but also lost their captain for the rest of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed how the win over Wolves has influenced his belief that Tottenham Hotspur can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Spurs are still two points adrift of safety with four games to go, but the Lilywhites took a major step in the right direction at the Molineux Stadium

They secured their first league win of 2026, with substitute Joao Palhinha popping up with a crucial 82nd-minute goal to ensure they remain in touching distance of their London rivals, West Ham.

While the win may not have been enough to take Spurs out of the relegation zone, their head coach believes that it could be a transformative result for his side.

Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham will stay up

Even though West Ham scored a stoppage-time winner against Everton to break Spurs’ hearts, De Zerbi was jubilant at the full-time whistle after seeing his side get the monkey off their back by finally winning a game.

The Italian pumped his fist to the away fans at Molineux Stadium and praised his players’ character in the post-match press conference.

When asked about his celebration after the final whistle and what the win means for the fans and the players, De Zerbi said (via the club’s official website): “I believe to stay up. If I stay here, it’s because I’m positive, now, because I’m a coach of Tottenham, Tottenham is not important on the pitch, if you are Tottenham or another team, the most important are the qualities of the players, and the human level of the players.

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“It was a surprise for me, because I didn’t know them, and when I knew better my players, I understood that we have the possibility, the chance to stay up. We have two points, not 10 points, we have two points from West Ham. West Ham are a good team, but also Tottenham are very good players and a very good team.”

De Zerbi says Spurs players know how good they are

The 46-year-old also reminded the Tottenham players of their quality, pointing out that they finished in fourth place in the league phase of the Champions League.

De Zerbi called on the Tottenham squad to focus on one game at a time and not worry about the results of their relegation rivals.

When asked if there is belief in the Tottenham dressing room that they can stay up, the Italian said: “I think the players, they know what they are and what they can do on the pitch, especially this season, because it’s true, we didn’t win a game in 2026, but on the table in the Champions League, they finished fourth place, no?

“In the Champions League, I think it’s not so easy, or it’s easier than the Premier League, so they have to be positive, they have to feel full confidence, because they are good, and not to see the other results, for example, West Ham. We have to move on and prepare for the next games. Now, the first game is at Villa Park. That’s it.”

The Premier League relegation battle is heading towards a dramatic conclusion, with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and others still fighting for survival as the final fixtures come into focus.

The battle for survival in the Premier League this season is set to go down to the wire with four games left to play.

Spurs gave themselves some hope with a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last Premier League game, after Joao Palhinha’s late strike saw the Lilywhites secure all three points.

That victory leaves Tottenham two points adrift of safety, as West Ham United managed a win in their own game against Everton.

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have more or less pulled clear of the drop zone, with Leeds currently six points clear of 18th place while Forest has a five-point lead over Spurs.

But that is not to say the two sides cannot still be dragged into the relegation fight, leaving everything to play for in the final weeks of the season, and we’ve now compared the fixtures of each.

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Tottenham fixtures compared with West Ham and Nottingham Forest run-in

Tottenham Hotspur’s remaining Premier League fixtures:

West Ham United’s remaining Premier League fixtures:

Nottingham Forest’s remaining Premier League fixtures:

We take a look to see if Opta’s Supercomputer has changed its prediction on Tottenham’s expected league finish after the Lilywhites picked up their first league win of 2026 at the Molineux Stadium.

Given what transpired at the London Stadium, with West Ham getting a dramatic stoppage-time winner, Tottenham would have found themselves four points adrift of safety had they not picked up a win against Wolves.

The North Londoners did not find things easy against the bottom side, but they never stopped fighting, with substitute Joao Palhinha popping up with a crucial winner in the 82nd minute.

Roberto De Zerbi hailed the spirit and attitude his players showed in the Midlands to secure an all-important win, but his side still has plenty of work to do to secure their Premier League status.

Opta’s supercomputer predicts Tottenham will finish 18th

Opta’s Supercomputer has revised its prediction on the final points tally of various clubs after Saturday’s results.

The data analysis platform says that the Lilywhites are now on course to finish on 38.69 points from their 38 matches, backing them to pick up just over four more from their remaining four matches.

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Unfortunately, they suggest that 38-39 points is not likely to be enough for De Zerbi’s men to catch West Ham, predicting that Tottenham will finish 18th.

The website backs the Hammers to finish 17th with 40.1 points after Nuno Espirito Santo’s men emerged victorious against Everton.

Win over Wolves gives Spurs crucial momentum

Spurs had not won a Premier League game for almost four months, and it felt like their players had almost forgotten what it felt like to win a league game.

That is why it was crucial that Spurs beat Wolves and picked up momentum, irrespective of what happened at the London Stadium.

Now that Tottenham have finally ended their 15-game winless streak, De Zerbi will be hoping that they can ride the momentum to pull off a great escape.

The race for Tottenham Hotspur target James Trafford appears to be intensifying by the day as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.

Tottenham have identified Trafford as a target to replace Guglielmo Vicario, but a number of reports over recent weeks have suggested that the Lilywhites will face plenty of competition for the goalkeeper.

Several outlets have claimed that Newcastle and Aston Villa are ready to challenge Tottenham for Trafford, and the race has since got even more crowded.

Just a few days ago, Florian Plettenberg reported that Brighton have set their sights on the Man City goalkeeper amid doubts over Bart Verbruggen’s future at the club, and two more clubs have now entered the race.

Tottenham have to overcome competition from Chelsea and Liverpool for James Trafford

Goal have now claimed that Chelsea and Liverpool have become the two latest clubs to enter the race for the England international’s signature.

The outlet explains that the Blues are keen to replace Robert Sanchez this summer after his poor form this season and have set their sights on Trafford as the man to take over the gloves.

Additionally, Liverpool have also ‘declared’ their interest in the 23-year-old goalkeeper, making it a six-horse race for the English shot-stopper’s services ahead of the summer.

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What is Man City’s stance on Trafford?

Goal have backed up what other sources are reporting by stating that the former Burnley man is keen to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of regular game time.

This comes on the back of several reports claiming that Pep Guardiola’s men are ready to offload Trafford this summer, just a year on from re-signing the goalkeeper.

A Tottenham Hotspur star has recorded the second-highest top speed across the Premier League this term.

If one asks Spurs fans who the fastest player at the club is, many will immediately respond with Micky van de Ven’s name, and one can understand why.

No player had a higher top speed than Van de Ven in the Dutchman’s first season in the Premier League.

Despite his subsequent injury issues, the Dutchman again topped the charts for the fastest player in the English top-flight last season, but he has not made the top ten this season.

Desinty Udogie has been Tottenham’s fastest player this season

Using stats from Opta, GiveMeSport have compiled a list of the players who have recorded the 10 fastest speeds in the Premier League this campaign.

Surprisingly, Destiny Udogie comes in at second place, having been clocked at 36.41 km/h this term. The only player who has been clocked at a higher speed is Wolves’ Jackson Tchatchoua (37.3 km/h).

No other Tottenham player has made it into the top 10, with the top five being rounded off by Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga (36.35km/h), Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo (36.34km/h) and Chelsea’s Pedro Neto (36.32km/h).

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Udogie’s fitness issues are a huge concern for Spurs

Udogie started both of Roberto De Zerbi’s first two games in charge against Sunderland and Brighton, but we may not see him in action against Wolves.

According to The Sun, the Italian international is in doubt for Tottenham’s clash at the Molineux Stadium, having picked up another injury.