Joao Gomes’ double saw Wolves beat Tottenham in a third successive Premier League match for the first time, winning 2-1 as Spurs slipped out of the top four.
It was the perfect response from Wolves after a bruising 2-0 home defeat to Brentford last weekend, which saw Matheus Cunha pick up a serious hamstring injury.
But from Spurs’ point of view, both goals were preventable. Gomes’ first in the 42nd minute came from an unmarked header after Pablo Sarabia’s corner.
The second was the result of Pedro Neto’s fine counter-attack – something Tottenham struggled to contain all game – that was finished well by Gomes (63).
They were sandwiched either side of a smartly taken goal from Dejan Kulusevski 34 seconds into the second half, but it was not enough to inspire a Spurs comeback.
They drop out of the top four after Aston Villa beat Fulham, two points off the Champions League places in fifth. Wolves move into the Premier League’s top 10 ahead of Chelsea’s game against Manchester City on Saturday Night Football.
Also spotted in attendance was Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, who is tipped to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. The Eagles face Tottenham in two weeks’ time.
How Wolves beat Spurs again
Gomes scored midway through the second half to hand Wolves victory
In a busy opening 10 minutes, Wolves had the best chance to take the lead. Guglielmo Vicario had initially made a fine save to deny Nelson Semedo, with the loose ball falling to the returning Hee-chan Hwang. But from close range, he blazed over the bar.
The game soon settled and became a more attritional battle with few clear-cut chances. One of Tottenham’s best efforts though saw James Maddison’s run into the area picked out by a fine pass. He then cut the ball back for Kulusevski, but he could only fire his effort wide of the post.
And after Wolves’ early warning, they went ahead just before the break. Richarlison conceded a rather unnecessary second corner, with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross in from a short one already looking to be heading out of play.
But Pablo Sarabia delivered into the box the second time, with Gomes free to power a fine header home.
After a first half with no shots on target, Spurs needed a fast start after the break – and 34 seconds in, that’s what they did.
Dejan Kulusevski celebrates after equalising for Spurs
Wolves could not clear a throw-in, which found its way to the feet of Kulusevski. He took one touch around Craig Dawson and scored from an acute angle with the second to haul Spurs level.
Both sides drew fine saves from the respective goalkeepers despite Spurs dominating the possession. But it was a devastating Wolves counter that saw them restore their lead.
Neto picked up the ball from a cleared Spurs corner before driving down the field. Emerson Royal simply could not keep up as Neto cut the ball back to Gomes – again unmarked – who finished well again past Vicario.
Tottenham kept up the press for an equaliser – with Wolves still catching them on the counter – with Ben Davies having a last-gasp effort to snatch a point.
It was a lovely, clipped cross in from Kulusevski, but the defender skewed his header wide as Tottenham suffered another defeat to Wolves this season.
What’s next?
Tottenham now have a two-week break and return to Premier League action on Saturday March 2 as they host Crystal Palace; kick-off 3pm.
Wolves play their next Premier League game on Sunday February 25 live on Sky Sports, hosting Sheffield United on Super Sunday; kick-off 1.30pm.
Sunday 25th February 1:00pm
Kick off 1:30pm
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