Joao Palhinha’s late strike earned Tottenham their first Premier League win since December but failed to ease their relegation fears.
West Ham’s dramatic 2-1 win over Everton left Spurs two points from safety, third from bottom with four games remaining.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side looked like climbing out of the drop zone after substitute Palhinha prodded in from close range at already relegated Wolves only for Callum Wilson’s strike to earn the Hammers an injury-time victory in their match.
The drama was not restricted to the London Stadium as Antonin Kinsky produced a brilliant last-gasp save to keep out Joao Gomes’ free kick.
Spurs, who are trying to avoid a first top flight relegation since 1977, also lost Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons to injury.
The nerves from the visitors were obvious as they looked for a first top-flight win since December but they still dominated a forgettable first half, although desperately lacked quality.
They had little to build on at the break and Simons wasted a good chance when he fired over after skipping past Matt Doherty before he was carried off with a knee injury.
Jose Sa’s fine stop denied Rodrigo Bentancur but Palhinha forced in the winner with seven minutes left and Kinsky’s injury-time save from Joao Gomes sealed victory.
Wolves analysis: Edwards needs a bright end to the season
Wolves had time to digest relegation after it was finally confirmed on Monday.
It was inevitable after just three league wins this season but the blow was softened as it came when they were not playing.
And the timing allowed the club and the fans to prepare to face Tottenham with their future certain and spared Wolves the image and pain of being relegated at Molineux.
The performance itself did not offer much insight into next season, as Wolves looked to frustrate and hit Tottenham on the break – although the ball never stuck with Adam Armstrong long enough for then to get forward in numbers.
They still need to finish the season well and three straight defeats, after heavy losses at West Ham and Leeds, threaten to wipe out some of the goodwill which has been generated since the turn of the year.
Boss Rob Edwards needs to bring some momentum into the summer and ensure there are no lingering doubts from the terraces that he is the man to bring Wolves back up.
Tottenham analysis: Emotional rollercoaster for Spurs at the bottom
There is fight in this Tottenham side.
In the first half, there was little quality, urgency and courage on show but Spurs managed to grind out their first win under Roberto de Zerbi just as it looked like all was lost.
Nottingham Forest’s thumping 5-0 win at Sunderland on Friday piled the pressure on De Zerbi’s side, leaving them eight points behind one of their relegation rivals.
West Ham’s thrilling finish against Everton – where the Hammers conceded late before Callum Wilson’s injury time winner – also put Spurs fans through an emotional rollercoaster.
Before Joao Palhinha prodded in from close range, Spurs looked set to finish the day four points from safety with four games left.
Not long after, following Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s leveller for Everton, they were out of the bottom three – only to drop back in with the late drama at the London Stadium.
There will be more twists in the final four games – Spurs’ fixtures against Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton – but Tottenham are clinging on.
They were poor and struggled to break down an already relegated Wolves side and relied on a scrappy goal from a corner but that was all they needed.
Tottenham kept going but they will need more bravery if they are going to save themselves.
What’s next for these teams?
Wolves: Rob Edwards’ side welcome Sunderland on Saturday (15:00) before going to Brighton on 9 May (15:00).
Tottenham: Spurs travel to Aston Villa (19:00) next Sunday and then host Leeds on 11 May (20:00).
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