Tottenham squandered the opportunity to claim the top spot in the Premier League as Wolves scored two late goals in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Despite Brennan Johnson scoring his first goal for Spurs, it appeared that Ange Postecoglou’s understrength team would reclaim the lead above Manchester City.
However, Wolves, who had been inefficient in front of goal for the initial 90 minutes, found their scoring touch in the additional time.
Substitute Pablo Sarabia forcefully netted the equalizer, followed by Mario Lemina steering in the decisive goal.
Tottenham Hotspur has now suffered consecutive defeats, marking the first time under Postecoglou’s leadership, with Chelsea securing a 4-1 victory in their previous league encounter.
The defeat to Chelsea also brought lasting consequences for Spurs, as influential summer signings Micky van de Ven and James Maddison were sidelined with injuries until the new year.
Despite these setbacks, there were no indications of a lingering impact early on, as Postecoglou’s team made a flawless start.
Pedro Porro’s precise low cross located Johnson at the near post, where the Welshman poked in his first goal since making a £47.5 million move from Nottingham Forest.
This proved crucial as the Tottenham attack remained persistent, and the visitors ultimately paid the price for depending on an improvised defense.
With Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie suspended due to red cards against Chelsea, Porro stood as the sole regular starter in the Spurs back four.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario continued to shine as one of Tottenham’s standout performers, diving low to his right to deflect Lemina’s powerful shot behind.
In the second half, Wolves failed to make the Spurs’ goalkeeper work in their pursuit of an equalizer.
Matheus Cunha’s attempt from the edge of the area soared high and wide.
Hwang Hee-Chan, who had previously scored in all five home league games this season, squandered a chance with a weak effort into the side-netting after receiving the ball inside the area.
Tottenham’s major opportunity to extend their lead came on the counter-attack, with Johnson having a chance, but he misjudged his finish, sending an attempted chip wide.
The majority of the action occurred at the opposite end, with Matt Doherty being denied a goal against his former club by Ben Davies’ clearance.
Additionally, Sasa Kalajdzic headed well over the goal with only Vicario to beat.
Wolves ultimately delivered the needed moment of excellence in the attacking third when Sarabia skillfully volleyed to connect with Cunha’s cross.
Subsequently, Sarabia played the role of provider for the winning goal in the 96th minute, as Lemina slid in to convert the pass from the Spanish international beyond the desperate dive of Vicario.
Tottenham maintains their position in second place but is at risk of being surpassed by Arsenal and Liverpool later in the weekend.
The victory propels Wolves to 12th place, establishing a nine-point gap from the relegation zone.