Tottenham Hotspur ensured their top-flight status for another season, defeating Everton 1-0 in a nervy encounter that delivered the result they desperately needed to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

João Palhinha's strike just before the half-time whistle proved the decisive moment, giving Spurs enough to see out the match and confirm their survival on a day of intense anxiety at the bottom of the table.

The win brought an end to what had been a deeply uncomfortable period for the north London club, who required the three points to guarantee they would not be playing Championship football next season.