Why Bayern's Palhinha helped Tottenham avoid defeat in the 4th minute of added time

On Saturday evening at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Joao Palhinha netted a late goal to secure a crucial point for Tottenham against Wolves.

Palhinha rescues Tottenham

Coach Thomas Frank made seven changes from the starting lineup used against Doncaster midweek and two changes compared to the 2-2 draw at Brighton last weekend, with Djed Spence and Xavi Simons coming in for Pedro Porro and Wilson Odobert.

The first half was quite cautious, with the sole highlight being an outstanding save by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. In the 15th minute, Mohammed Kudus sprinted to the far post to receive a pass from Xavi Simons, but his header was stopped by Johnstone right on the goal line, pushing the ball onto the crossbar.

Tottenham gradually gained control of the match with Kudus at the core. In the 28th minute, he nearly scored with a beautiful shot to the far corner following a backheel pass from Lucas Bergvall, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 41st minute, Kudus assisted Bergvall, who unleashed a stunning volley that went over the crossbar—a moment reminiscent of Richarlison’s goal against Burnley. Kudus continued to threaten Wolves’ goal with a close-angle shot saved by Johnstone. Palhinha rushed in to contest a rebound off Marshall Munetsi and fell inside the box, but the referee denied Tottenham a penalty. Later, Richarlison almost scored from a pass by Kudus.

Wolves, playing a neat and disciplined game, created few chances. It wasn’t until the 4th minute of first-half stoppage time that Jhon Arias took a diagonal shot that went wide. Immediately following a corner, Arias crossed for Matt Doherty—Tottenham’s former player—who volleyed the ball onto the top edge of the crossbar.