Dribbled past 5x: Spurs star who lost the ball 17x should never have lasted 90 minutes

Tottenham faced a setback in their Premier League campaign as they dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Fulham. The match highlighted several concerns for Ange Postecoglou, most notably the decision to start James Maddison, whose performance fell short of expectations. Despite holding a slight edge in possession, Spurs struggled to impose themselves on the game, with Fulham looking more dangerous throughout.

Brennan Johnson gave Tottenham the lead early in the second half, but Fulham quickly responded through Tom Cairney, leveling the match and dampening the home side’s momentum. While Spurs managed to avoid a defeat, much of the credit for that goes to Fraser Forster, whose crucial saves kept Fulham at bay. Postecoglou will undoubtedly owe a word of gratitude to his goalkeeper for salvaging a point in a game where Tottenham’s overall display lacked sharpness and cohesion.

James Maddison’s inclusion in the starting lineup drew attention, especially after he had been rested in the midweek Europa League clash against Roma, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Fans hoped the midfielder could replicate the brilliance he displayed in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester City earlier in the season.

However, Maddison’s performance against Fulham served as a reminder of his inconsistent form this campaign. While his outing against City showcased his creative prowess, it has proven to be an outlier rather than the norm.

Statistically, Maddison’s contributions against Fulham were underwhelming. Despite 65 touches on the ball, his influence on the game was minimal. His xG of 0.07 and xA of 0.06 highlight a lack of impact in the final third, and his execution in key moments left much to be desired.

Completing just 33% of his dribbles and managing a crossing accuracy of 20%, Maddison struggled to provide the cutting edge needed to unlock Fulham’s defense. Additionally, his three long-ball attempts failed to find their mark, further emphasizing his inefficiency on the day.

Defensively, Maddison’s performance raised further concerns. With zero tackles, zero interceptions, and a win rate of just 30% in his duels, he offered little resistance against Fulham’s pressing game.

The visitors capitalized on his dispossessions, and his lack of defensive contribution left Tottenham vulnerable in transitions. For a player tasked with driving the team forward, his inability to rise to the occasion was a significant factor in Spurs’ inability to secure three points.

Postecoglou’s decision to bench Dejan Kulusevski also proved questionable. The Swedish winger has been a reliable creative outlet for Tottenham, and his absence was felt against a Fulham side that managed to nullify much of Spurs’ attacking threat.

Kulusevski’s energy and directness might have provided the spark Tottenham needed to break down a disciplined Fulham defense. By leaving him out of the starting lineup, Postecoglou inadvertently limited his team’s options in the final third.

This match underscores the importance of making the right tactical decisions in a season where Tottenham cannot afford to drop points unnecessarily. While Maddison remains a talented player with the potential to influence games, his recent displays suggest he needs to rediscover his confidence and consistency.

Postecoglou may need to rethink his approach to integrating Maddison into the starting lineup, especially when other key players like Kulusevski offer more reliability and creativity in crucial moments.

For Tottenham, the draw against Fulham represents a missed opportunity to maintain momentum in their pursuit of a strong league finish. The team’s inability to convert possession into meaningful chances and their defensive lapses highlight areas that need urgent attention.

As the season progresses, managing player form and fitness will become increasingly critical, particularly with a growing list of injuries and a demanding schedule.

Fraser Forster’s performance, however, provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing outing. Stepping in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, Forster delivered a composed and commanding display, making several key saves to prevent Fulham from taking all three points.

His contributions have offered reassurance during a challenging period, proving that Tottenham can rely on their backup goalkeeper when needed.

Looking ahead, Postecoglou must find a way to address the team’s recent inconsistencies. This includes better squad rotation, smarter tactical adjustments, and ensuring players are deployed in roles where they can maximize their strengths. Maddison’s struggles against Fulham highlight the need for a more balanced approach to team selection, one that prioritizes both form and fitness.

In conclusion, Tottenham’s draw against Fulham exposed several vulnerabilities that Ange Postecoglou will need to address to keep the team competitive. While Fraser Forster’s heroics deserve recognition, the broader issues in midfield creativity, defensive reliability, and tactical decisions cannot be overlooked.

For Postecoglou, this match serves as a valuable lesson in balancing his squad’s potential with the realities of their current form. With careful adjustments and a renewed focus, Spurs can still aim to recover and strengthen their position in the league.