Looking to build upon impressive victories against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in recent weeks, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham faced a short trip across the capital on Saturday evening as they headed to Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
FUL: Leno; Robinson, Bassey, Adarabioyo, Castagne; Lukić, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
TOT: Vicario; Udogie, Dragusin, Romero, Porro; Sarr, Bissouma; Johnson, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son
For a side that has been continually praised for their improvements under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham appeared completely off the pace throughout much of this clash at Craven Cottage.
The Lilywhites were heavily dependent on their defensive players throughout the first half, with Andreas Pereira and Sasa Lukic both putting the visitors to work as they probed for an early lead.
Three minutes before the break, Rodrigo Muniz opened the scoring from an Antonee Robinson cross. Tottenham had squandered countless opportunities, with James Maddison shooting slightly wide – and they were made to pay the price as the Brazilian handed Fulham the first-half advantage.
Embed from Getty ImagesHaving looked so promising in the first half, Lukic netted his first goal for the Cottagers mere minutes into the second half. The forward found himself well-placed in front of his defender, slotting past Vicario following a whipped cross from Castagne.
The hosts were not done there. Muniz, having opened the scoring in the first half, completed his brace just after the hour mark as he bundled home the loose ball following a corner delivery.
Tottenham squander a great opportunity to move into the top four, meaning Aston Villa could find themselves five points clear if they can muster a victory against West Ham on Sunday. Fulham remain 12th ahead of the international break.
