An injury-time goal from Harry Kane spared Tottenham’s blushes after a chaotic first half when Fulham looked lively at Craven Cottage.
The timing of the goal meant the customary second half resurgence was only brought forward by a few minutes. In fact, much of the second half was somewhat patchy.
Despite the 1-0 victory, all is clearly not well at Spurs. The goal aside, Fulham edged the first half and the “Levy our chants” from the away supporters were clear after an hour.
The fustration with the chairman is perhaps distracting from a manager, Antonio Conte, who has yet to commit to the club and whose system is providing neither entertainment nor, often, results.
But for the manager it is three points away at an industrious Fulham side, who just didn’t have the quality to break through.
Harry Kane has now equalled Jimmy Greaves’ club record of 266 goals and although he doesn’t look at the peak of his game, for him it is job done.
Of several of his teammaes the same cannot be said, with a lethargy in most areas of the pitch.
Stiff challenges lie ahead in the league, not least against Manchester City on February 1, and the transfer window remains very much open.
9. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 5
Without playing badly, the system means Tottenham’s midfield are being overrun, accentuating Hojbjerg’s workmanlike manner. | AFP via Getty Images
10. Emerson Royal - 4
Royal had a torrid time in the early stages against Willian and Antonee Robinson, consistently overrun - but not entirely his fault. He did get the best chance of the first half, forcing a Bernd Leno save at the near post. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Ben Davies - 6
The Welshman is the least panicked of a defence that is not inspiring confidence. He should have had an assist but from his nod back across the box Kane somehow found the keeper in an open goal. | Getty Images
12. Richarlison - 5
A 20-minute run-out for the striker, who could perhaps be forgiven for demanding more time, given Son’s form. | Getty Images