‘s first Premier League victory of 2026 finally stored their survival hopes in tact, however Saturday’s slender triumph at Molineux wasn’t with out caveats.
In fact, no floor was gained on our nearest rivals after thrashed on Friday night time and struck late on in east London. For a couple of minutes, the Lilywhites had escaped the underside three, however Joo ‘s back-post poaching wasn’t sufficient to see Roberto De Zerbi’s facet finish the day in a rosier place than how they entered it.
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The psychological affect of merely claiming a home victory cannot be understated, particularly after we got here so shut in opposition to Brighton & Hove Albion final week.
Nonetheless, there may be loads of work to do, with one other uptick wanted at Villa Park subsequent Sunday. Furthermore, there are fears that Spurs could possibly be with out one among their brightest sparks.
Spurs sweating over extent of Xavi’s knee harm
Xavi’s season could possibly be over. | MB Media/GettyImages
An innocuous sequence down ‘ left-hand facet culminated in Xavi Simons writhing in ache simply off the pitch. Clutching his knee, the indicators had been ominous from the outset. A stretcher was known as, and the stricken Dutchman made use of it.
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After starring in opposition to the Seagulls, Xavi was much less decisive within the West Midlands and maybe responsible of holding onto the ball too lengthy in a primary half that began promisingly however fizzled out.
He is been underused or misprofiled throughout his debut season, however has provided glimpses of his potential. His strike final week may’ve been the second that catapulted us to security, however ‘s Ninety fifth-minute equaliser meant the post-match dialogue centred round his vociferous celebration, somewhat than the standard of his purpose.
His absence for the ultimate third of Saturday’s sport was felt, with Spurs seemingly slogging their means to a degree that will’ve completed little or no. Nonetheless, we had been in a position to coax one thing from a few set-pieces, with Palhinha’s poke sufficient to flee with a essential victory.
Now, although, there is a nervous wait as we be taught the extent of Xavi’s knee harm.
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“We go to see within the subsequent days, Monday or Tuesday,” De Zerbi post-match (through ). “I want to know the scenario with Xavi as a result of the knee is at all times completely different than the muscular harm.
“He felt ache. I spoke to him two, three minutes in the past. He feels higher than the start of the harm,” he added.
Assuming it is some type of ligament difficulty, Spurs can be pleading that he is solely suffered a sprain, which doubtless will not finish his season. Something extra important… effectively, our survival hopes dwindle and Xavi’s worrying about his World Cup prospects.
This text was initially printed on www.hotspurhq.com as .