Tottenham 1 Fulham 2
What on Earth was that start from Spurs? Whilst Spurs’ form over the last few weeks has been pretty dreadful to say the least, I don’t think even the most pessimistic Spurs fan would have predicted those first 6 minutes, the defending from Pedro Porro against Samuel Chukwueze was dreadful then the ball deflects into the path of Kenny Tete who’s deflected effort goes past Vicario. The second goal came from an absolutely dreadful clearance from Vicario who clears into the path of a Fulham player who lays it off to Harry Wilson who still has a lot to do to get the shot on target but pulls it off brilliantly to leave Tottenham two down in 6 minutes.
Fulham look to be finally picking up some form this season. Whilst Spurs were horrendous in the first half you have to give full credit to Fulham for the way set up in that first half, the gap between defence and midfield from Spurs was massive and Raul Jimenez exploited it time and time again dropping in that space and giving it to either Wilson or Chukwueze on either wing, if it wasn’t for Micky Van De Ven at the back for Spurs it could have easily been 3 or 4 in that first half. In the second half, whilst Spurs improved and got one back Fulham remained resolute and saw the game out professionally in the end, it looks like Marco Silva’s side might finally have come to town this season.
The poor home form continues for Spurs. This is yet another game were Tottenham fail to impress at home and you get the feeling that patience is running out for many Tottenham fans with Thomas Frank, after that second goal went in from Wilson you feared the worst and if it wasn’t for some last ditch tackles and interceptions from Van De Ven yet again the game would have been finished inside 20 minutes. Spurs now have two tough games coming up having to travel to Newcastle on Tuesday who are absolutely flying at the minute then face another tough game back at home against Thomas Frank’s old side in Brentford who currently sit above Tottenham in the table. If Spurs don’t get positive results in those matches the end might be near for Thomas Frank at Tottenham.
Kudus is once again the bright spark for Tottenham. If there is any solace for Spurs coming out of this game is that yet again their best attacking player is Mohammed Kudus who was brilliant in the second half scoring a half-volley past Bernd Leno following an excellent pass from Bergvall to get Tottenham back into the game. Everything good that Spurs did in the second half came from that right-hand-side and Kudus was the player to try and make things happen, whether it was taking on his fullback or whipping a cross in, Spurs need more players like Kudus if they are to get out of this mess their currently in.
How long will Marco Silva stay in charge of Fulham for? I think it was clear over the summer that Marco Silva was not happy with how Fulham were operating in the transfer window leaving it to the last week before completing any reasonable business breaking their transfer record to sign Kevin from Shakhtar Donestk and bringing in Samuel Chukwueze on loan from AC Milan, whilst these are good signings you get the feeling that Marco Silva may have outgrown Fulham and this game yet again showed his expertise as a manager, can Fulham match Silva’s ambition as a manager or will this be his last year at Fulham? Time will tell.