Raul Jimenez scored the winner as Wolves twice came from behind to record a superb 3-2 victory at Tottenham that boosted their challenge to finish in the Premier League top four.
After a stirring performance on Sunday, Wolves moved above Tottenham into sixth and now sit just three points behind Chelsea in fourth spot.
Spurs were leading at the break after Serge Aurier scored his first league goal for three years in the last minute of the half, Matt Doherty having cancelled out Steven Bergwijn’s opener.
But Diogo Jota scored his sixth goal in three games to get Wolves level before he impressively set up Jimenez to decide the contest with 17 minutes remaining.
Spurs made a fast start and they were in front after 13 minutes, Bergwijn converting a first-time finish on the rebound after makeshift striker Dele Alli had his shot saved by Rui Patricio after Aurier’s cut-back created the opportunity.
A defensive error allowed Wolves to level the match with their first shot on target after 27 minutes, Doherty presented with a straightforward finish from six yards after Japhet Tanganga had poorly dealt with Ruben Vinagre’s cross from the left.
But Aurier gave Spurs a deserved half-time lead, cutting inside after taking a pass from Alli and rifling a left-footed shot beyond Patricio into the far corner.
Alli was inches off target with a free header from Ben Davies’ deep cross and Wolves made the hosts pay at the other end in the 57th minute.
Adama Traore – who later went off with a shoulder injury – combined with Jimenez and Doherty in a swift counter-attack that fed in-form Jota, who scored a simple tap-in.
And Wolves got the winner when superb work from Jota down the left created a chance for Jimenez, with the striker showing impressive composure to jink past Tanganga and finish past Paulo Gazzaniga.
What does it mean? Wolves are in the top-four chase
After Chelsea and Manchester United failed to win this weekend, victory over top-four rivals Spurs meant Wolves are the big winners and have made major ground in their surprise top-four bid.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are now unbeaten in nine London matches since their promotion in 2018 and are well placed in the table ahead of a home match with Brighton and Hove Albion next week after another memorable performance in the capital.
Jota inspires again
Jota has had a magnificent 10 days, with his hat-trick against Espanyol, double against Norwich City and now a crucial goal and assist in the second half of this game. If Wolves are to stun the heavyweights and reach the Champions League, a continuation of the 23-year-old’s form will be crucial.
A day to forget for Tanganga
Tanganga made a hash of his attempt to clear Vinagre’s cross and was later beaten too easily by Jimenez for the winner in a day to forget for the young defender, while Lucas Moura has now gone 11 league games – 10 of which were starts – without a goal, not what Spurs need with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min out.
Key Opta Facts:
– Spurs have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since May last year; indeed, Jose Mourinho has lost three straight games for only the fourth time during his managerial career, doing so once with Porto, Chelsea and Man Utd before today.
– From the start of last season, Wolves have won 35 points from losing positions in Premier League matches, at least six more than any other side during this period.
– Wolves have both scored and conceded in 20 different Premier League games this season (W6 D9 L5), a competition high.
– Since the start of last season, Matt Doherty has netted eight Premier League goals for Wolves, the joint-most of all defenders in the competition alongside Liverpool skipper Virgil Van Dijk.
– Diogo Jota has scored six goals in his last three games for Wolves in all competitions, in the space of 10 days. Indeed, his previous six goals were spread across 25 matches between August and February.
What’s next?
Tottenham host Norwich City in the FA Cup on Wednesday before they return to league action at Burnley on March 7, the same day as Wolves host Brighton in the top flight.
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