Spurs denied win over Wolves by late Jørgen Strand Larsen goal

Struggling Tottenham Hotspur had to settle for a 2-2 home draw against a revived Wolverhampton Wanderers side after a late strike by substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen in an entertaining Premier League clash on Sunday. It was yet another disappointing result for Spurs, who have been grappling with inconsistent form, injuries, and mounting pressure on their manager Ange Postecoglou. The London side came into the match with a grim record, having suffered four defeats in their previous five league games. They were desperate for a performance that would galvanize their campaign and inject some much-needed confidence. However, the resilient visitors, under the guidance of new boss Vitor Pereira, left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with their spirits buoyed and their survival hopes rekindled.

The game began with Wolves showing more purpose and energy, unsettling a Spurs side still finding their rhythm. The visitors struck an early blow in the seventh minute through Hwang Hee-Chan. A cleverly worked short free kick caught the Spurs defense off guard, allowing the South Korean forward to unleash a low, precise shot that clipped the inside of the post before nestling in the net. It was a goal that silenced the home crowd and epitomized the confidence Wolves have been exuding in recent weeks. Spurs, however, responded quickly and effectively. Just five minutes later, Rodrigo Bentancur provided the perfect riposte. Rising above a cluster of defenders, the Uruguayan met a Pedro Porro corner with a towering header that left Wolves goalkeeper José Sá rooted to the spot. The equalizer was greeted with a roar of relief, as Tottenham showed they could still summon moments of quality despite their struggles.

The first half continued with both teams carving out chances, but it was Spurs who were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead. In the 38th minute, Brennan Johnson was brought down clumsily in the box by André, prompting the referee to point to the spot. The stage was set for captain Son Heung-Min to put his side ahead. However, Sá had other ideas. The Portuguese shot-stopper guessed correctly, diving low to his right to deny Son’s effort and keep the scores level. It was a let-off for Wolves, but Tottenham would not be denied for long. In added time at the end of the first half, Dejan Kulusevski’s quick feet and intelligent play created an opening. The Swede dribbled skillfully down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cut-back for Johnson, who slotted home from close range. The goal gave Spurs a slender advantage heading into the break and raised hopes of a much-needed win.

The second half saw Wolves forced into changes, with their creative linchpin Matheus Cunha departing due to injury. Pereira introduced Jørgen Strand Larsen and Goncalo Guedes, and the duo injected fresh impetus into the Wolves attack. Meanwhile, Spurs suffered another defensive setback as Destiny Udogie limped off, adding to their growing injury woes. Sergio Reguilón came on to replace him, but the disruption left Tottenham’s backline looking increasingly vulnerable. Despite these challenges, Spurs continued to press for a third goal. Substitute Timo Werner, introduced to add pace and dynamism, made an immediate impact. He darted down the left wing and delivered a low cross that narrowly evaded Dominic Solanke in the box. Moments later, Solanke turned provider, threading a clever through-ball to Kulusevski. However, the Swede’s tame shot was cleared off the line by Santiago Bueno, denying Spurs a crucial cushion.

Wolves, for their part, remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments of the match. With just three minutes of regulation time remaining, Rayan Aït-Nouri surged down the left flank and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box. Strand Larsen, showing remarkable composure, turned sharply to evade his marker before firing a rising shot into the top corner. Fraser Forster, standing in for the injured Hugo Lloris, could only watch helplessly as the ball sailed past him. The equalizer sent the away fans into raptures and underlined Wolves’ resilience under Pereira’s stewardship.

The result was a bitter pill to swallow for Tottenham, who now find themselves languishing in 11th place with 24 points from 19 games. It marks the first time since the 2008-09 season that Spurs will finish the calendar year outside the top seven—a stark reminder of the challenges facing Postecoglou. In contrast, Wolves moved up to 17th on 16 points, two points clear of the relegation zone. Their recent revival, which has seen them collect seven points from their last three games, offers hope that they can avoid the drop.

Speaking after the match, Postecoglou struck a somber tone. “It hurts, and when you see how hard the players are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward. I think today they deserved a reward,” he said. Acknowledging the team’s struggles, he added, “It’s my responsibility for where we are right now, and it’s my responsibility to get us out of it.”

Wolves, meanwhile, will take heart from their performance. Under Pereira’s guidance, they have rediscovered their fighting spirit and tactical organization. The decision to bring on Strand Larsen proved inspired, as the Norwegian forward demonstrated his quality with a goal that showcased his technical ability and mental fortitude. The contributions of Aït-Nouri and Guedes further emphasized the depth and versatility in Wolves’ squad, qualities that will be vital as they continue their battle against relegation.

For Tottenham, the road ahead looks daunting. With key players sidelined by injuries and their form in freefall, Postecoglou faces a monumental task in turning their season around. Defensive frailties, a lack of clinical finishing, and an overreliance on moments of individual brilliance have all contributed to their struggles. Yet, there were glimpses of promise in the performances of Kulusevski, Bentancur, and Johnson. If Postecoglou can find a way to harness these positives while shoring up the team’s weaknesses, there is still time for a resurgence.

As the dust settles on another frustrating outing, the question for Spurs fans is whether their team can rediscover the consistency and resilience needed to climb the table. For Wolves, the draw feels like a victory—a testament to their determination and a sign that brighter days may lie ahead.