Joao Palhinha’s first half winner over Everton preserved Tottenham’s Premier League status after they finish the season two points above the relegation zone.There were nine possible outcomes across this fixture and West Ham’s clash against Leeds United, and only one of them would have sent Tottenham down. Thankfully for everyone inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, what unfolded was one of the eight favourable scenarios.Roberto De Zerbi’s men will now play Premier League football next season after finishing two points above 18th-placed West Ham, who themselves beat Leeds 3-0 elsewhere. It was only Tottenham’s third league win at home this season, but it could not have arrived at a more important moment.The Italian named just one change from the side that had started each of the previous three matches, with Djed Spence replacing Randal Kolo Muani on the right wing.Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesFirst half: Tottenham 1-0 EvertonAfter De Zerbi had urged supporters earlier in the week to turn up early and welcome the team bus, the home crowd responded magnificently, creating an atmosphere that carried straight into kick-off and helped Spurs dominate almost the entirety of the first half despite a nervy opening few seconds.Tottenham’s first meaningful opening came after confusion between Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane gave Conor Gallagher an early sight of goal, but the midfielder could only find the side netting. Kevin Danso then came even closer when he rattled an effort wide from point-blank range following a corner.The Austrian defender was involved again moments later when another corner found him, and his header appeared destined for the net until it struck his own teammate Richarlison and bounced away.Fortunately for Spurs, the breakthrough eventually came when Mathys Tel’s deep corner was met by Joao Palhinha at the far post, with the midfielder’s initial header crashing against the post before falling back into his path, allowing him to tap the rebound towards goal where it was only stopped after crossing the line.Photo by SpursWebSecond half: Tottenham 1-0 EvertonWhile Tottenham continued to look the more threatening side after the restart, there was almost an early gift from Pickford when he nearly spilt Spence’s curling effort into his own net.However, with news spreading around the stadium that West Ham had taken the lead against Leeds before extending their advantage further, anxiety inevitably began creeping back into Tottenham’s play. Knowing that avoiding defeat was absolutely crucial, De Zerbi’s men became increasingly sloppy in possession and spent large spells pinned back inside their own half, although Everton themselves still rarely looked capable of making that pressure count.In fact, Antonin Kinsky was barely tested for most of the afternoon until Tyrique George suddenly bent an effort towards the top corner late in the game, forcing the Czech goalkeeper into a superb save that matched the quality of the strike itself.Keane and Charly Alcaraz both then headed narrowly over in the closing stages as Everton desperately searched for an equaliser, but Tottenham managed to hold firm and secure their first league double over any side this season.FT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1-0 EVERTONSpurs Web man of the match: Joao PalhinhaWhat next for Spurs?De Zerbi had insisted earlier in the week that this match carried even greater importance than last season’s Europa League final, and throughout the afternoon the tension inside the stadium certainly reflected that feeling. The same narrow scoreline, the same nervy ending, the same desperate defending in the closing moments, but just like in Bilbao, Spurs somehow found a way through together.This time, though, the emotions at full-time felt driven far more by relief than celebration because regardless of survival, this will always remain a deeply embarrassing campaign for Tottenham to reflect upon.Even so, De Zerbi deserves enormous credit for the turnaround he has overseen since arriving at the club, because survival genuinely looked difficult at one stage and Spurs likely would not still be a Premier League side without him.It would have been a real shame for his football not to remain in the top flight, but thankfully that nightmare scenario never arrived, and Tottenham supporters will now hope the Italian receives proper backing in the summer transfer window.Now comes a long summer break from club football, with attention turning towards the FIFA World Cup.Until next season, COYS!The post Tottenham 1-0 Everton match report: How Spurs survived relegation on final day appeared first on Spurs Web.