Tottenham Hotspur secured their Premier League survival on the final day of the season, defeating Everton 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to Joao Palhinha's first-half goal. The victory kept Spurs in the top flight by just two points, consigning London rivals West Ham United to Championship football next season.

The threat of a first relegation in 49 years had hung over the club heading into Sunday's fixture, but Roberto De Zerbi's side rose to the moment against a toothless Everton side that offered almost nothing going forward. West Ham beat Leeds United on the day, but Everton manager David Moyes could not do his former employers any favours.

Palhinha's crucial strike

The decisive moment arrived in the 43rd minute when Palhinha, after heading against the post, forced the ball over the line to send Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a frenzy. De Zerbi sprinted down the touchline in celebration as relief poured from the stands.

The Portuguese midfielder has been central to Spurs' late-season survival push under De Zerbi. He had already scored the late goal at Wolverhampton Wanderers that delivered the Italian's first win in charge, and he delivered again when it mattered most.

Spurs fans had given their team a huge welcome to the stadium — exactly a year and a day after the Europa League trophy parade — and they witnessed only a third Premier League win at home all season. The full-time whistle brought scenes of genuine emotion throughout the ground.

A season of managerial turbulence

De Zerbi deserves significant credit for shifting the mood at the club after a deeply turbulent campaign. Thomas Frank proved the wrong fit, and Igor Tudor's appointment was widely regarded as a serious misstep. The Spurs board ultimately got it right with their third managerial choice of the season — and with very little margin to spare.

Back-to-back finishes in 17th place mean there remains much work for De Zerbi and the club hierarchy to address over the summer. However, the ability to rebuild in the Premier League rather than face the financial devastation of relegation is a significant foundation.

Everton offer little resistance

For Everton, the afternoon was a disappointment of a different kind. The visitors, who had looked capable of challenging for European football at various points this season, produced a flat display with little urgency. They failed to register a single shot in the second half until the 93rd minute, and goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was not called into his first genuine save until the 99th minute.

Everton ended the season with seven games without a win, finishing 13th. Their supporters, having endured final-day relegation anxiety in recent seasons, may find some comfort in that. For Spurs, the priority is clear — ensuring they never come this close to the drop again.