Relegation-threatened Tottenham’s miserable 2026 continued as their winless run extended to 10 league games with Fulham gaining a deserved victory to boost their hopes of qualifying for European football.
Fulham, who scored twice in the first six minutes in their 2-1 win at Spurs in November, again got an early opener with Harry Wilson netting in the seventh minute – his ninth of the season.
However, the goal was controversial as new Spurs boss Igor Tudor felt it should have been disallowed as home striker Raul Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin as they challenged for a Kenny Tete cross, before Oscar Bobb picked out Wilson to volley home from six yards out.
Tottenham had a similar goal ruled out last week in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel but, following a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, Fulham’s goal was allowed to stand, much to Tudor’s fury.
Spurs, though, had no excuses for the 34th-minute second goal with Alex Iwobi left with space to shoot home superbly from 18 yards out, with the ball going in off the inside of the post after a neat exchange with Wilson.
Calvin Bassey should have made it 3-0 only to fire wastefully over from close range at the end of the first half, with Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe also missing chances.
Spurs pulled one back in the 66th minute when substitute Richarlison headed in Archie Gray’s left-wing cross.
They have now lost both of their matches since Tudor replaced the sacked Thomas Frank, conceding six goals in the process, and last went on a 10-match winless league run at the start of 1994 under Ossie Ardiles.
Spurs, who have been in the top flight of English football in every season since one campaign in the old Second Division in 1977-78, are now 16th, four points above the relegation zone with 10 games left.
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While Tottenham are facing a fight to stay up, Fulham are looking in the other direction.
This win was only the second time in their history that they had completed the league double over Tottenham, after doing so last in the 2003-04 campaign.
With boss Marco Silva still yet to sign a new contract beyond this summer, Fulham are ninth in the Premier League table, with only goal difference separating them and eighth-placed Everton.
Eighth may be a position high enough to earn them a return to European football, which they have not played in since 2012-13.
If they are to get there, their home form could be key as this was their eighth victory in 14 matches at Craven Cottage.
They were the better team in the first half and wasted chances to take the game away from Tottenham before Richarlison’s goal set up a frantic finish.
Club captain Tom Cairney almost scored with his first touch off the bench, but shot just wide.
It was a nervous finish for the home fans, but their side did enough to hang on to the three points.
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