Tottenham Hotspur preserved their Premier League status with a tense 1-0 victory over Everton, condemning West Ham United to relegation despite their 3-0 win over Leeds United.
Joao Palhinha scored the decisive goal in the 43rd minute to spare Spurs from a first relegation since 1977 after a season spent battling near the bottom of the table.
The victory lifted Tottenham to 17th on 41 points, two above West Ham, whose final-day win proved insufficient to avoid the drop.
A nervous atmosphere gripped the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the closing stages, with supporters roaring every clearance during 10 minutes of stoppage time before the final whistle sparked scenes of relief among players and fans.
“It was embarrassing to let it come to the final day but we did it and that is what is important,” Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven said.
The escape capped an impressive rescue effort by coach Roberto De Zerbi, who collected 11 points from seven matches after taking charge little more than a month ago with Spurs in deep trouble.
Tottenham’s survival came despite a miserable campaign that included a 15-match winless run earlier in the year and saw the club pushed to the brink before Palhinha’s crucial intervention.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
