Lessons Learned From Win Over Fulham

An exciting second half to the London derby allowed Tottenham to take home all three points over the unlucky Fulham. Rejuvenated by a new manager, the Cottagers looked dangerous and made the game much closer than it would have been in Martin Jol was in charge. Fulham opened the scoring through Ashkan Dejagah, before Tottenham equalized through a long shot by Vlad Chiriches, and finally eased the pressure after a strike from Lewis Holtby. So, what did we learn?

Hugo Lloris is World Class

A few impeccable saves from Hugo Lloris kept Spurs in the match. Dejagah was able to get past him – even though that goal could have been attributed to Jan Vertonghen positioning – but without a few spectacular saves, Dimitar Berbatov and Bryan Ruiz may have joined him. After conceding a penalty against Manchester United, and playing his part in the 6-0 demolition against Manchester City, it was understandable to think the Frenchman might suffer a dip in form. However, this game might just have been his best performance since arriving from France.

Perseverance is Key

With Tottenham expecting to win easily at Craven Cottage, many of the fans hearts sank when Fulham were the ones to open the scoring. Add how Spurs attack has not exactly set the Premier League alight, and AVB’s situation was looking ever more grim. But Spurs persisted, and it was only fitting that their most hard working player, Lewis Holtby, was the one to net the winner.

Vlad Chiriches Has Been Spurs Best Purchase

It seemed gloomy times when Steven Caulker left the Lilywhites. Not many knew how to pronounce the name of our new Romanian import, never mind know if her was an improvement or not. Fourteen games into the season and he is a revelation to Spurs. His lovely strike encapsulated a great performance against Fulham. His defensive work was impeccable as well, and he has established himself as an integral member of Tottenham’s back four. When Danny Rose comes back from injury, it will be incredibly unlikely that AVB will drop the ball playing centre back.

Jermain Defoe Isn’t Going To Solve Tottenham’s Goalscoring Issues

 Roberto Soldado is certainly having a rocky start to his Spurs career, but as evidenced by this match, it is certainly not entirely his fault. Playing Defoe instead of the Spaniard is very much a like for like replacement, so the Englishman inability to get onto the scoresheet is evidence that it isn’t the player, it’s the system. With only Emmanuel Adebayor and possibly Harry Kane able to play effective out of the box, AVB has limited options, even if neither Defoe or Soldado is at fault for their lack of goals.