Tottenham star bursts into tears after scoring huge goal in Everton match

Tottenham star Joao Palhinha burst into tears after scoring a huge goal in Spurs' relegation clash against Everton.

Roberto De Zerbi's men have to at least draw against the Toffees to ensure safety in the Premier League, with the Portuguese's goal significant as it currently sends West Ham United down to the Championship.

The midfielder sprinted over towards his manager in tears as the Tottenham bench filtered out, celebrating with Spurs currently safe in the Premier League.

A whipped in delivery from Mathys Tel fell to Palhinha, whose initial effort deflected off the post.

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On the follow-up, the holding midfielder quickly reacted, diverting his second attempt goalwards.

After being cleared, the referee looked towards his watch and awarded the goal.

Palhinha, overcome with emotion, sprinted over to Roberto De Zerbi as the Spurs bench piled on their hero in celebration.

The Portuguese was seen in tears as he looked towards the stand, making a heart symbol.

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Coming into the game, De Zerbi wanted his side to embrace the challenge and pressure.

He said: "For me, it's still an honour to be a coach for Tottenham, even if on Sunday we play for the relegation fight.

"It's not a problem. I consider football something more than the table, than the level of the game.

"Every one of us, we are fighting for the future of Tottenham."

The Italian continued: "I didn't come here in mid-table. The situation was this, more games but not too different a situation.

"If I came, it was because I thought there are the right conditions, the right qualities and players to achieve the target.

"Then the situation changed because we lost (Cristian) Romero, Xavi Simons, (Dominic) Solanke, but I think in my time we made eight points and maybe we deserved more points. We are still fighting to achieve the target and we have to be ready and be strong.

"To manage the pressure you have to be clear and honest with yourself. The level of difficulty of the game is high. We are fighting for something very important for everyone, but it is football.

"We have enough quality, we play in our stadium. If for us it will be a tough game, it will be a tough game for West Ham too."

Before the game got underway, De Zerbi was seen rallying up the supporters, trying to get them to be their 12th man.

Speaking about the impact the Spurs fans can have, he said: "If the fans show their love to the players, it is not pressure, it is an honour, it is a great thing for the players. It is not a pressure, it is a good thing, it is a positive thing for us.

"We are playing well. We deserve to stay up, but we have another step and a very tough step, but it's possible for us."

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