Joao Palhinha’s goal ensures Spurs survive amid joyous scenes in north London

By George Sessions, Press Association

Joao Palhinha’s 43rd-minute goal fired Tottenham to Premier League safety with a 1-0 home win over Everton.

Defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday meant Spurs required a draw or victory to guarantee survival and ensure West Ham’s result at home to Leeds had no bearing on the north London club’s destiny.

Even though Roberto De Zerbi had sparked an incredible turnaround for Tottenham since his March arrival and guided them out of the bottom four last month, his next magic trick was to end a 10-match winless run at home in the Premier League.

Palhinha’s scruffy goal two minutes before half-time earned Spurs a deserved lead at the break, but a nervy second half followed with news of West Ham goals filtering through.

Everton boss David Moyes shuffled his pack and substitute Tyrique George almost produced a last-gasp leveller, but Antonin Kinsky’s flying save in stoppage-time confirmed a first Tottenham home league win since December and sent West Ham down.