Tottenham Hotspur have failed to deliver once again, but at least there were a minority of players who actually fought for the badge against Fulham.
Tottenham Hotspur’s home form in the Premier League this season has been embarrassing and this theme has recurred once once more on a grim Saturday night.
Spurs hosted Fulham, whose away record up to this point was very poor. However, like almost every other team to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they walked away with all three points.
Here are the three winners and losers from Tottenham’s disappointing 2-1 defeat against their London rivals.
Micky van de Ven delivered for Tottenham against Fulham
If Micky van de Ven decides he wants to join a better performing club next season, who could possibly blame him?
Despite a dismal team display, the Dutchman performed his defensive duties well and prevented the scoreline from getting ugly in the first half against Fulham.
The media will continue to push their agenda that van de Ven relies too much on his pace, but this should be viewed as a strength to be admired. His recoveries are essential to Tottenham and everything must be done to tie him down a new long-term contract.
Lucas Bergvall shone in the darkness
One of the only positives about last season until Spurs won the Europa League was Lucas Bergvall and the teenage sensation continues to perform when those around him do not.
Bergvall’s display against Fulham was not on par with his strong showing in Paris, but he was still one of his team’s best players yet again.
The Swede never stops running and always does his utmost to get the team moving forwards. He also bagged a second league assist of the season, which is one positive to take from a shocking night.
Mohammed Kudus did what the Tottenham strikers could not
Randal Kolo Muani missed a good headed chance in the second half as Spurs chased an equaliser and Richarlison was not at all effective.
Neither were going to be the player to get the goal Tottenham so badly needed, then up stepped Mohammed Kudus with a superb half volley to give his team a fighting chance. Kudus has not had the best week for performances, but it was good to see him not only score, but attempt to create chances in the final third.
It was not a perfect night for Kudus, who lost nine ground duels and played 14 inaccurate crosses. However, he was still one of very few Spurs players who did something notable in attack.
Now, let’s take a look at the three losers from Tottenham 1-2 Fulham…
Archie Gray was hooked on the hour mark
Archie Gray was given his first Premier League start in some time after a very positive midweek performance against PSG. Unfortunately, he was far less effective in the London derby, without any real contributions in defence or attack.
It is not fair to blame Gray for the defeat. He came into a team failing to perform and put on a show against the champions of Europe and one underwhelming game should not dictate his future.
Unfortunately, Thomas Frank could use this as a reason to revert back to his preferred midfield system. Therefore, he could lose out on starts in future games based on Saturday night.
Guglielmo Vicario turned the Spurs fans against him
There have been moments this season when Guglielmo Vicario became the saving grace at Tottenham. The 0-0 draw with Monaco was one particular moment when the Italian bailed his side out with multiple saves.
However, he has too many poor performances and the Fulham defeat might be his biggest low points this season.
Vicario had a moment of madness, abandoning his net and giving the ball away which saw the visitors double their lead. Antonin Kinsky might not be piling on the pressure, but Vicario has to do better. He has accepted the criticism aimed in his direction, but words must be matched by actions.
Thomas Frank is on borrowed time at Tottenham
To be brutally honest, it might be for his own good if Thomas Frank is shown the door by Spurs. Like Nuno Espirito Santo, he is not a bad manager, but Tottenham does not seem to be the right fit for him.
No matter what formation Frank uses or what players are fielded, the Dane cannot deliver results. Three defeats in seven days is a really bad look, regardless of the opposition.
Of course, there is an argument to be made that Spurs created enough chances against Fulham to at least get a draw, while the second goal was the result of an individual error. However, with every defeat, it just feels more and more like Frank does not have the ability to turn things around in North London.
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