In the 90+4′ minute, Palinha scored a late equaliser, earning Spurs a point in a match where the visiting team, Wolves, largely outplayed them. Wolves’ manager, Vitor Pereira, would be pleased with his team’s performance, as this result could help them find their footing this season. However, for Thomas Frank and Spurs, the outcome is disappointing, as they had aimed to secure three points.
Match Summary/Tactical Breakdown
Spurs strategically rested several key players to prepare for their midweek Champions League match. In contrast, Wolves took full advantage of Andre and Gomes starting together in the double pivot, both of whom were fit and performing well.
With Porro and Sarr on the bench, Spurs struggled significantly in the first half, lacking a crucial player to recover possession and recycle the attack. Andre and Gomes dominated the midfield, while debutant Xavi Simons had a challenging start to his Spurs career.
Kudus came close to scoring in the first half, with his powerful shot brilliantly tipped off the crossbar by goalkeeper Johnstone. Wolves executed a well-defined game plan, effectively attacking with their fullbacks and wingers, particularly exploiting situations on the counterattack when Spurs became too ambitious. Hwang and Arias proved to be a constant threat, and while the Spurs managed a few good chances late in the half, they failed to convert. They held on, but it was clear that Wolves had the upper hand.
2nd half-
Wolves decided to change their formation and shifted to their preferred back three, substituting Doherty and Hwang for Tchatchuoa and Agbadou. Within ten minutes, their adjustments paid off. A series of crosses from the right side led to a header from Krejci, which was saved, but the rebound was tapped in by his teammate Bueno, allowing Wolves to break the deadlock at the London Stadium.
Frank also made a few changes for Spurs, but Wolves dominated the right flank, with Tchatchuoa and Arias creating several dangerous chances that could have secured the game early. Eventually, Spurs brought on Sarr and Odobert as Frank made a last-ditch effort to earn a point on their home ground.
As the match progressed, Wolves settled into a low block while Spurs continued to send crosses into the box. This pressure resulted in an equaliser when Tel’s cross found Sarr, who assisted Palhinha. The crowd erupted as Palhinha celebrated by removing his shirt and performing his signature knee slide.
Standout Performers
- Vicario- had a decent game, made some crucial saves to keep the visitors at bay.
- Van de Ven- he was looking composed even when Wolves sprang the box with the crosses and made some good headed clearance, along with some crucial interceptions.
- Palhinha- scored a good goal to secure a point for the team and was the only midfielder looking comfortable for Spurs.
- H.Bueno- everyone in the Wolves defence was looking good apart from Doherty, but Bueno was excellent, he constantly combined with the forwards & helped the team defensively as well.
- Arias- the best offensive player in the whole game, he just showed the gimes why he has bought. Created the most chances in the game, and Spurs’ defence had no answers on how to stop him.
Stats and Numbers:
| Stat | Spurs | Wolves |
| Possession | 51% | 49% |
| Shots | 10 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 3 |
| XG | 0.87 | 1.15 |
What It Means
This should be a wake-up call for the Spurs that if they want to finish in the top 4, they need to be more consistent. For Wolves, it should be a game plan on how to approach the rest of the matches in the league.
Conclusion
Spurs remain in the top 4, 4 points behind the league leaders Liverpool.
Wolves remain at the bottom with 4 points off safety.
