Match Report: Spurs 2 the Cottagers 0 – 9 games undefeated under Ange in the League.
Great result, which I predicted spot on… to be fair, the first time this season, I got the correct score right… I even got congratulated by the people sitting next to me… Yes, I know, it’s sad. Let’s hope I get it right for the game against Palace this Friday.
Even though I predicted the score, I expected something better from Fulham. We were all over them in the first half and could have gotten a handful of goals. In the second half, we gave them some room to come at us, but in the end, it was us that got the points, thus enabling a rise up the league table; 2 points above City and the Gooners (who are both on 21 pts), then we’ve got the moaning Kloppers, followed by Villa and Newcastle. It was the best run – ever – by any team in the Premier League since its formation. That is from the beginning of the season… 9 games undefeated. But it isn’t going to get any easier… we are all expecting that first defeat… but when?
It was an early drive for Mel and me… We got to the stadium at 3.40 pm, popped into the Spurs shop, had coffee and then queued up. Doors opened at 5 p.m. Then, we went straight to our booth with Janet to chat and discuss the game ahead.
Before the game, we stood in respect to those who died in the Middle East – on both sides of the conflict. Even though there was a warning not to bring any flags, I did see a couple of Israeli flags (but was that to do with showing support for Israel or for the club’s Jewish roots?).
To the game and our return to the top of the Premier League as goals from Son and James Maddison comfortably saw off Fulham. We had previously dropped points this season in London derbies – against Arsenic Gooners and Brentford – but we were always in control against a limited Fulham side.
Son curled in an excellent goal in the 36th minute after Calvin Bassey’s poor pass was cut out by Micky van de Ven. Maddison doubled the lead in the second half with an almost identical goal, as another Bassey pass was cut out, and Maddison was teed up by Son to slot home confidently.
For their part, Fulham went closest when Joao Palhinha forced Guglielmo Vicario into an impressive stop with a header from a corner.
I know it has been said many times, but we’ve made an impressive start to life under Ange Postecoglou, and we began the game with the air of a team on a mission.
As for Richarlison, who was heavily criticised, curled a shot wide when he should have done better after Dejan Kulusevski set him up, but Son soon curled in the opener for his seventh goal of the season.
We could have made it 2-0 before half-time, but Kulusevski’s effort was blocked from close range after some excellent play involving Maddison, Son and Destiny Udogie.
Credit to the Cottagers, as they sometimes caused us problems on the counterattack but could not make us pay before Maddison’s goal secured our win to move us two points clear of City at the top of the league.
Thoughts…
Full credit to Son, as he continued to fill the goal void left by Kane and scored his seventh goal of the season in another brilliant performance in the centre of our attack. Not only has he filled the void left by Kane, but he also took on the armband, played the central striking position, and looks at home with Kulusevski and Maddison for support.
Maddison…
As for Maddison, he looked a perfect fit since he arrived in the summer, and his goal against Fulham was surprisingly the first he had scored at our stadium. All evening, he barely put a foot wrong, and his passing range started so many of our attacks.
Glancing through the programme at half-time, I read that Postecoglou said, “It was too early in the season to look at the table, but it will not be too many weeks before some supporters start to believe they are genuine title contenders.” And if we keep winning and get to Christmas fully intact, then anything is possible.
At halftime of the game, a tribute was paid to Sir Bobby Charlton. After the game, still in a full vocal mood, we made our way to the car, drove through London, then M25, followed by the M4, detours and home.
I arrived home at half past midnight, while Mel took another hour to reach Liz and home.
Another successful Spurs Day/ evening. Next up; Palace away.
COYS!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”