Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Everton
João Palhinha was once again decisive as Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton to secure safety in the Premier League on the final day of the season in the English top-flight.
Tottenham needed a draw to be all but guaranteed survival, given their vastly superior goal difference over West Ham United, the only other remaining contenders to beat the drop. Spurs led the Hammers by two points heading into the final day meeting at home against Everton, but Palhinha’s first half goal meant his team did not have to rely on their London rivals slipping up.
The winning goal at a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marked a bright end to a tough week for Palhinha, who missed out on Portugal’s 26-man World Cup squad. Speaking after the win against Everton, the former Sporting man admitted that scoring the goal to end fears of relegation was a special moment in his career, with West Ham’s victory meaning the gap remained at just two points.
"It’s one of the most important days in my career as a player, it’s really special,” Palhinha told the club’s media. “Throughout the season it’s been really tough. Everyone has been living this week in a different mood, because we knew the importance of this game today. This club is much more than us. We represent the club today, but the fans are here all their life. To give them this victory and keep the club where it belongs was out main objective.
“Overall [this season] was not good enough for Tottenham and we all know that, but as I have said before I think this season will help Tottenham grow in the future.”
Joao Palhinha with the important goal 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uaA2vYFdsr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 24, 2026
De Zerbi praise
It is not the first time a goal by Palhinha has been vital for Spurs this season. Having joined on-loan from Bayern Munich last summer, Pahinha has scored an impressive five goals from midfield in the Premier League (seven in all competitions) including some game-changing strikes.
Palhinha scored the second in a 2-0 win at Man City, a late equaliser to earn a draw at home with Wolves, a winner to defeat Wolves 1-0 late last month, and this weekend’s only goal to clinch survival. Even if his goal against Man City was not technically decisive, Palhinha’s other goals have directly won five additional points for Spurs this term.
Typically, Palhinha avoided taking credit for his role in the team’s survival, opting instead to reflect on the shared alleviation of pressure in the dressing room, as well as directing praise on De Zerbi. Having won the Europa League last season, Spurs’ dismal campaign, which saw two managerial sackings before the appointment of Italian Roberto de Zerbi, has led to heavy criticism from pundits
“Today was a relief, a big relief for what we have been living since we have been competing for survival,” Palhinha said. “Up until the middle of the season we were not doing a good collective season, but when we got closer to West Ham [and the relegation places] it all affected us. Also the people in all departments in the club.
“But the reaction was good and I think the reaction started when Roberto came. He brought a lot of different things in my opinion and I think the improvement was clear. The improvement from all the players and the way we played was clear. And I think in the future it will be much better, it has to because Tottenham has to be fighting for titles and top places.
“De Zerbi? It’s been a pleasure working with him. One of the best coaches I ever had. It’s different, in terms of tactical work and the way he lives football. The way he speaks every single meeting, you feel it in his blood. I think this team has needed that. And all the knowledge he has on football, because he’s a top, top coach.
“I don’t have any doubt, for sure a manager for the long-term future.
“I also want to take the opportunity to appreciate and say thanks to all the fans, all the supporters since the season started. It’s not normal, I said before it’s not normal to have this support after the season we did. This shows what a big club is in my opinion. The commitment, everyone pushing the team before a really special game like today. It happened before in important games that we had.
“This shows what Tottenham is. What we can take from this season is the relationship we create with our supporters. We can just enjoy now and thanks for everything.”
