Palhinha grabs late draw for Spurs against Wolves

Joao Palhinha scored a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a point for Tottenham Hotspur and prevent Wolves from claiming their first Premier League win of the season.

Wolves were on course to pick up their first victory when Palhinha rifled his strike past Sam Johnstone in the fourth minute of added time - sending the home crowd at into pandemonium.

After losing their opening five games, Santiago Bueno had poked home from close range for Wolves in the 54th minute.

The Uruguayan failed to convert at the first attempt, but goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario parried his strike into team-mate Joao Palhinha and the ball landed kindly back at the centre-back's feet for a simple tap-in.

But it proved not enough for Wolves, who will be disappointed to be leaving north London without all three points.

Wolves analysis: Reason for optimism despite dropping points

Having trailed at half-time in each of their nine previous Premier League games, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira will have been relieved to see his team enter the break on level terms for the first time since April.

Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Everton in the Carabao Cup helped ease the misery around Molineux and it was evident that it had given the players a much-needed confidence boost.

Pereira made nine changes from last weekend's defeat by Leeds - instead keeping faith in the side that triumphed against the Toffees.

Sam Johnstone kept his place in between the posts and Wolves had the England goalkeeper to thank for keeping Spurs out for the majority of the game.

Given the nod ahead of regular starter Jose Sa, Johnstone twice denied Kudus and commanded his box to deal with a barrage of Tottenham crosses.

Despite Spurs' late equaliser, there will be a sense of optimism around Wolves as they proved they are improving and can indeed compete with the league's top teams.

Even after Bueno's goal they continued to pile on the pressure and threatened to double their lead.

But in the end there was little they could do to stop Palhinha's ferocious strike.

Spurs analysis: Palhinha saves the day

With Liverpool losing for the first time in the Premier League earlier on Saturday, Spurs had the chance to move up to second and narrow the gap on the league leaders to two points.

Playing against a side who had gained just one point from the last 27 available, the opportunity was there for the taking.

Frank's side often looked too predictable going forward as their numerous crosses into the box were easily dealt with by Johnstone.

Perhaps Kudus could have done better with his header from close range, which was tipped on to the crossbar by the Wolves keeper, while Lucas Bergvall should have at least forced a save when he had clear sight on goal in the first half.

The hosts appeared to lack spirit after going behind as they were sloppy in possession and struggled to create anything worthwhile in front of goal.

But a moment of brilliance from Palhinha saved the day to keep Tottenham third in the Premier League, four points behind Liverpool.

What's next for these teams?

Tottenham travel to Norway on Tuesday to face Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League before Saturday's Premier League trip to Leeds United.

Wolves will host Brighton in the league on Sunday, 5 October.