Liam Keen analysis: Wolves must focus on the positives despite cruel Spurs twist

Wolves have been the worst team in the Premier League so far this season, sit bottom of the Premier League and did not have a single point before a ball was kicked on Saturday evening.

But as they seemingly closed in on a win at Spurs, not many with a London allegiance could have complained.

Wolves had managed the second half superbly well after taking the lead and were destined to take all three points, until the cruel late twist.

Objectively, considering Wolves' position and start to the season, a point at Spurs is a good result.

But when the win is so close and the team have worked hard to achieve it, to have it snatched away makes it feel like another loss.

Vitor Pereira's team selection was brave and unexpected - a running theme so far this season as the head coach desperately seeks a winning formula.

He made just one change from the team that beat Everton in the Carabao Cup - which was a team itself that included nine changes from the Premier League defeat to Leeds - and Pereira left players such as Jose Sa, Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes on the bench.

In hindsight, his team selection should not have come as much of a shock. Pereira has consistently made changes looking for something to stick and it made sense to reward the players for an improved cup display.

And many of them continued their strong display against Spurs as Wolves started relatively well in the capital.

They created a couple of early chances and looked threatening from set pieces, while they rode their luck slightly as Spurs were wasteful.

Sam Johnstone was called upon for some important saves, too, and his point blank stop of Mohammed Kudus' effort kept it at level terms.

Despite Wolves putting in a solid enough performance, Spurs did have too much joy with overloads on the flanks and Pereira recognised this. The head coach switched to a back five at half-time and Wolves stifled the hosts even more.

Santi Bueno put Wolves ahead with his first goal for the club and although it was scrappy following a corner, it was a massive moment that Bueno's overall performance deserved.

The most impressive part of Wolves' performance came following the goal as they managed the occasion impressively.

Spurs struggled to create anything and Wolves expertly ran the clock down when necessary, but were also prepared to play when they had the opportunity.

It was mature and composed and is a good sign moving forward.

Many of the substitutes added something to the game and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in particular took up dangerous advanced midfield positions and create moments for Wolves.

Jackson Tchatchoua was defensively solid and offensively dangerous, while Tolu Arokodare was a handful for the defence.

The biggest criticism of Wolves' second half is that they did not take the chances they created to kill the game off.

As Spurs advanced but were toothless in front of goal, Wolves were picking them off with ease and cutting through the thirds.

Arokodare had some openings, while the impressive Hugo Bueno had a big chance that was saved at the near post.

As often happens in football, teams are punished for failing to take their chances and Wolves will certainly rue theirs.

Spurs did not look likely to score and although they pushed in the remaining minutes, Wolves stood firm for the most part.

But as it fell fortuitously to Joao Palhinha in the 94th minute, his superb strike rescued Spurs a point and broke Wolves hearts.

Football truly can be cruel and Pereira summed it up after the game.

He said: “Football sometimes is not fair and in the last minute we conceded the goal. 

"But keeping this spirit, playing in the way that we play in the second half, we will get our points.

“We were the best team in the second half. In my opinion, we deserved to win, but that is football. 

"I need to keep my balance because it is very difficult to concede a goal in the last minute, but football is what it is.

“The last game against Everton and today, I think now, mentally and tactically, we are in conditions to compete.

“But it’s difficult. I said to them, we must keep this spirit, this mentality, we must keep playing like this in this way, and we'll get points for sure in the future.”

Pereira's frustration is understandable but he quickly moved on to focusing on the positives and there are plenty for Wolves to take.

It is absolutely paramount that Wolves focus on those positives, take confidence from their performance and move on quickly from this game.

The point they picked up, rather than the two they lost, will feel better in the coming days and Wolves now have some big games where they must get that first win.