After Tottenham 1-1 draw to Fulham – Five things we learned from the disappointing match

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent match against Fulham ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, once again highlighting the team’s ongoing inconsistency in the Premier League. Coming off an incredible performance against Manchester City, Spurs failed to carry their momentum forward, settling for just a point at home.

The performance left fans and analysts with mixed feelings as the squad struggled with absences and a lack of cohesion on the pitch.

The game emphasized just how disjointed and flat Tottenham appeared. Missing key players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Mikey Moore, and Wilson Odobert, the team looked fatigued and lacked energy.

Their inability to create fluid movement off the ball or to provide consistent attacking options made it clear that the squad’s depth was being severely tested. The absence of these influential players highlighted Tottenham’s struggle to maintain rhythm and intensity, especially with a busy schedule ahead.

One of the biggest voids in the lineup was Dominic Solanke, whose presence in the center-forward role has become vital to Ange Postecoglou’s system. Solanke’s ability to press, hold up play, and link attacks has been crucial for Spurs this season.

Without him, Son Heung-min was tasked with leading the line, but he struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the position. Balls into Son’s feet often ricocheted away, and the rare chances he did get from turnovers failed to yield results.

While Son remains an exceptional player, his strengths are better suited to wide areas, where he can exploit space and cut inside. The lack of a physical, target-man striker left Tottenham’s attacking play looking blunt and unconvincing.

Dejan Kulusevski’s benching also raised questions. While rotation is necessary to keep players fresh, the timing of this decision felt puzzling. Kulusevski, who has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers, seemed like the natural replacement for Solanke in the starting lineup.

Resting him during midweek games rather than in a critical Premier League match might have been a better strategy, especially considering the team’s already depleted options. With Kulusevski absent from the starting XI, Tottenham lacked his creativity and drive, which could have made a difference in a game where attacking inspiration was scarce.

Amid the challenges, Fraser Forster delivered another commendable performance in goal. Many doubted whether Forster could adequately fill the void left by Vicario’s injury, but he has risen to the occasion.

Against Fulham, he made a series of impressive saves, including a few that might have been beyond even Vicario’s reach. Forster’s ability to close down space and make himself big in one-on-one situations was a key factor in preventing Fulham from securing all three points. His performances over the past week have silenced critics and provided Tottenham with much-needed stability between the posts.

The draw leaves Tottenham seventh in the Premier League table, just three points off the top four. While the result may feel disappointing, it’s far from disastrous.

The league standings remain tightly contested, and with fifth place potentially securing Champions League qualification this season, Spurs are still very much in the race. The unpredictability of the current Premier League campaign suggests that the points tally required for a top-four finish might be lower than in previous years.

However, for Tottenham to capitalize on this opportunity, they must address their inconsistency and find a way to navigate the ongoing injury crisis.

Looking ahead, Tottenham’s focus must shift to regaining fitness for their key players and rediscovering their form. The demanding nature of Postecoglou’s high-pressing style requires a squad with depth and energy, two qualities that have been in short supply recently.

As players return from injury and illness, the team will need to build cohesion and resilience to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Despite the setbacks, Tottenham’s season remains salvageable, and there is every chance for the team to achieve its goals if it can find consistency in performance and results.

The match against Fulham served as a reminder of the fine margins that often define success in the Premier League. While Tottenham showed glimpses of quality, their inability to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain defensive solidity ultimately cost them two valuable points.

Moving forward, the team must learn from these moments and work to ensure that such missed opportunities do not become a recurring theme in their campaign. With time and the return of key players, Spurs can still aim for a strong finish to the season and push for European qualification.