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Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham

By on April 20, 2014

A second-half rally by Spurs ensured they collected all three points against Fulham and kept their faint Champions League hopes alive.

It was a lacklustre first-half display by the Lilywhites who never really found their rhythm. The first clear-cut chance of the match fell to Younes Kaboul in the 18th minute who headed over inside the six yard box, while Fulham sent out their first warning sign to the Spurs defense a minute later when Hugo Rodellega burst into the penalty area, only for his shot to be smothered by his namesake, Hugo Lloris.

David Stocktake produced an equally impressive save in the 27th minute, tipping Aaron Lennon’s sweetly struck volley on to the post. Finally, the deadlock was broken eight minutes later. Christian Eriksen’s pin-point free-kick whipped in from the right hand side of the box left Paulinho with a simple tap in from three yards – the Brazilian’s seventh goal for Spurs in all competitions.

The lead lasted less than two minutes, though. A surging run from Steve Sidwell caught out a static Spurs defense, an Zeki Fryers, deputizing at center-back, failed to clear his lines and the former Chelsea man coolly dispatched his shot past the on-rushing Lloris. 1-1 at the break.

Spurs were quickest out the traps in the second forty-five. Two minutes after the restart and they were ahead again. A beautifully weighted left-footed cross by Aaron Lennon found an unmarked Harry Kane in the box who glanced his header into the bottom left-hand corner of the net – his third goal in three starts.

However, Fulham responded well. John Arne Riise’s cross from the left found Hugo Rodellega on the edge of the box, and Rodellega’s powerful header forced a superb reaction save from Hugo Lloris.

Spurs extended their lead just after the hour mark and it was almost a carbon copy of the first goal. This time, Eriksen’s free-kick from the left alluded everyone inside the Fulham box apart from Younes Kaboul who dangled out his right leg to direct the ball into the net.

Fulham were again handed a lifeline with fifteen minutes to play when Hugo Rodellega’s lofted ball struck the trailing arm of Christian Eriksen. Referee Lee Probert had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Steve Sidwell stepped up hoping to score his second goal of the game, butpowerful penalty was driven too close to Hugo Lloris who made sure all three points stayed in North London.

About Callum Haymes

Aspiring sports journalist • Spurs ST holder. Personal blog at http://callumhaymes.blogspot.co.uk/