So pathetic: Tottenham player ratings vs Fulham, 7/10 trio shine but weak link exposed in draw

Tottenham Hotspur were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fulham in a tightly contested Premier League match where Brennan Johnson’s early goal was canceled out by a stunning strike from Tom Cairney.

The encounter gained momentum in the second half, with both sides creating chances, but neither could find the decisive goal. Despite their efforts, Spurs will feel frustrated to have missed the opportunity to claim all three points in front of their home crowd.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match, capitalizing on an accurate assist from Timo Werner. Johnson’s movement and composure in front of the goal underscored why he has become a reliable attacking threat for Tottenham this season.

Spurs, who were missing the services of Dominic Solanke due to illness, created additional chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalize.

Fulham responded by targeting Tottenham’s right flank, exploiting defensive vulnerabilities in that area. Their persistence paid off when Tom Cairney unleashed a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the penalty area, leveling the match with a goal that left the Spurs’ defense and goalkeeper Fraser Forster with no chance.

Cairney’s evening took a dramatic turn in the final stages, as he received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Fulham to finish the match with 10 men.

Fraser Forster delivered a solid performance in goal for Tottenham, stepping in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario. Forster made several crucial saves to deny Fulham, showcasing his experience and reliability. His performance might alleviate speculation about Spurs signing another goalkeeper during the upcoming transfer window.

Defensively, Pedro Porro endured a challenging outing, with Fulham’s Reiss Nelson frequently outpacing him and creating opportunities down the right-hand side. Porro’s struggles contributed to Fulham’s ability to apply pressure on Tottenham’s defense.

On the other hand, Radu Dragusin showed signs of improvement, forming a promising partnership with Ben Davies, who made key defensive interventions to keep Fulham at bay. Davies, fresh off a contract extension, proved once again why he remains a valuable asset to the squad.

Destiny Udogie had a quieter game on the left, appearing slightly fatigued after a heavy run of fixtures. His limited impact highlighted Tottenham’s lack of depth in his position, an issue the team may need to address in future transfer windows.

In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr stood out with his energetic and combative performance, breaking up Fulham’s play and providing support for his teammates. Yves Bissouma was industrious in midfield as well, facilitating transitions and allowing the attacking players more freedom to create.

James Maddison had moments of brilliance, including a clever free-kick that struck the base of the post, but his influence on the game was sporadic.

Timo Werner, while not heavily involved throughout, made a key contribution with his assist for Johnson’s goal before being substituted in the second half.

Son Heung-min, filling in for Solanke as the central striker, struggled to impose himself on the game and was far less effective compared to his usual role on the left wing.

Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench but had limited opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Late substitutions, including the introductions of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, did little to change the outcome of the match, as Tottenham failed to find a winner in the closing minutes.

While the draw highlighted areas for improvement, Spurs can take some positives from individual performances and the resilience shown in difficult moments.

However, the match also exposed weaknesses that Ange Postecoglou’s side must address to maintain consistency in their pursuit of a strong Premier League finish. The team’s inability to secure back-to-back wins remains a concern, as does their vulnerability in certain defensive areas.

As Tottenham looks ahead, the focus will shift to addressing these shortcomings while building on the promising elements of their play. With key players returning from injury and illness, Postecoglou will aim to refine his tactical approach and inspire greater consistency from his squad.

The draw against Fulham, while disappointing, serves as a reminder of the challenges Spurs must overcome to achieve their ambitions this season.