Last week, we relayed a report from journalist Dean Jones, who said on GiveMeSport that signing a centre-back would be one of Tottenham’s priorities in January.

He named Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura as the four defenders at the top of Spurs’ wishlist.

Adarabioyo is another who has been mooted as a target for Spurs, with Alasdair Gold claiming last month that the Lilywhites will look at the 25-year-old in January if he does not sign a new contract with Fulham (Football.London).

James Garner #37 of Everton F.C tackles Tosin Adarabioyo #4 of Fulham during the Premier League match between Everton and Fulham at Goodison Park, Liverpool on Saturday 15th April 2023. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Spurs-linked Adarabioyo expected to leave Fulham

Football Insider have now claimed that the Cottagers expect Adarabioyo, who is currently out with an injury, to depart the club when the transfer window opens.

In fact, it is alleged that the West London club have already started looking for a right centre-back to replace Adarabioyo, who was the subject of interest from Spurs and Monaco in January.

Spurs Web Opinion

During the summer, it appeared as if Adarabioyo preferred to join Monaco over Spurs, perhaps because he felt he might not get regular game time at the North London club. I do not see why the 25-year-old would suddenly change his mind in January.

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Guirassy has been the most in-form marksman across Europe at the start of this season, having found the back of the net 15 times in nine appearances across all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

TEAMtalk claimed earlier this month that Tottenham are one of several Premier League sides monitoring the 27-year-old’s situation closely ahead of January.

It was subsequently revealed by Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg last week that the centre-forward has a release clause of €20m (£17.4m) in his contract.

However, the journalist added that the prolific striker is more likely to leave MHPArena next summer rather than in January.

(Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Fulham are Spurs’ main competitors for Guirassy

While Football Insider have now also backed up Tottenham’s interest in Guirassy, they say that their main competition for the player would come from London rivals, Fulham.

The outlet states that signing a number nine to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic, who completed a move to Al-Hilal in the summer, is one of Marco Silva’s priorities in January.

It is alleged that the Cottagers are expected to have money to spend when the transfer window reopens and have now identified Guirassy as one of their top targets.

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think signing a number nine would be Postecoglou’s top priority in January. However, the Lilywhites would be open to market opportunities and could be tempted to act if they feel there is a risk of some other club poaching Guirassy.

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There were a number of candidates who were mooted as potential replacements for Antonio Conte at Tottenham before the club eventually hired Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian was not really a popular choice among some sections of the Spurs fan base when the appointment was made, but he quickly became a fan favourite and has shown signs that he is the man to take the club back to the top table.

Silva was one of the managers reported as a target for Spurs in the summer, with The Telegraph claiming back in May that the Portuguese coach was part of the North London club’s three-man shortlist, alongside Postecolgou and Luis Enrique.

The 46-year-old ended up staying at Fulham and he signed a new contract at Craven Cottage last week.  Ream has now insisted that there was never a serious chance of him joining Spurs in the summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Fulham FC club badge on the corner flag during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on August 30, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Marco Silva was never going to join Tottenham

The Fulham vice-captain told The American Dream Podcast: “When you’re not sure if the manager will be there past the summer, if he doesn’t sign a contract extension now, there’ll always be rumblings if managers get sacked at other clubs. 

“It happened over the summer with Tottenham when he was linked with that job through random sources which wasn’t true by the way. It puts everyone a bit more at ease.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham might have spoken to Silva in the summer as the club would have wanted to due their due diligence on various candidates before deciding on their top choice.

However, the Portuguese coach would not have been near the top of their list and at no point did he seemingly come close to getting the job.

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Adarabioyo was linked with a move to Spurs during the summer transfer window and it was reported by Football Insider a couple of weeks ago that the defender remains on the North London club’s radar ahead of January.

The outlet suggested that the Lilywhites wish to offload Eric Dier and could sign the 25-year-old to replace the experienced defender when the transfer window reopens.

(Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Contract talks between Fulham and Adarabioyo?

Adarabioyo’s current contract runs out next summer and The Standard have now claimed that Fulham are open to beginning discussions with the player over a new deal.

The report states that the centre-back, who is currently out with an injury, refused to sign a new deal back in June but the Cottagers rejected an offer of £8.5m for the player from Monaco back in August.

However, the publication adds that Adarabioyo, who is ‘admired’ by Tottenham, could now be more open to committing his future to the West London club after boss Marco Silva signed a new deal.

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect that Tottenham and other clubs would be in touch with Adarabioyo’s representatives to express their intention to bid for his services in January.

However, if Marco Silva can perhaps convince the 25-year-old that he would get regular game time at Craven Cottage, the defender might be persuaded to sign a new deal.

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Spurs went into the clash against Fulham as overwhelming favourites but it is the kind of fixture that Tottenham sides of the past have slipped up in just when they had started to build up some steam.

However, the current side showed that they are made of sterner stuff, delivering a professional performance to move two points clear at the top of the table.

Goals in either half from Son Heung-min and James Maddison saw the home side cruise to a 2-0 win, and the first-half display from the Lilywhites was arguably the best 45 minutes of football they have played this season, with Fulham unable to cope with the pace at which they moved the ball.

Tottenham Hotspurs’ Son Heung-Min (R) and manager Ange Postecoglou attend a press conference in Perth on July 17, 2023 ahead of the pre-season friendly football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. (Photo by TREVOR COLLENS / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Heung-min Son explains his Spurs team talk

Son admitted that Tottenham should have put the game out of sight by the interval.

The forward told Spurs Play: “I told the players before the game, after the international break we always struggle and the team always struggles, always the results can change.

“I just wanted, Monday night, the fans, we just want to make them happy and with a smile on their face after the game, which we did and I think in the first half we probably could have scored three more goals.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There are already quite a few signs that we are going to be extremely difficult to beat at home and that teams will not enjoy coming to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Our away performances have been a little bit more circumspect at times this season and the clash at Selhurst Park will be a big test for the players as it is a difficult ground to go to.

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Richarlison delivered what was arguably his best performance of the season against the Cottagers, with the Brazilian looking dangerous when he got on the ball and delivering some impressive crosses from the left.

The 26-year-old set up Son Heung-min’s opener in the 36th minute after Tottenham won the ball high up the pitch and he came very close to scoring earlier in the half as his curled effort went just wide off the post, with Bernd Leno rooted to his spot. 

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou was not happy with sloppy Richarlison

However, Richarlison was on the receiving end of Postecolgou’s ire for what he did in the latter stages of the second half.

With the home side 2-0 up at that time, the forward tried to control a cross-field pass with his shoulders, failing to do so and giving the ball away.

Guest revealed that the Spurs head coach made his displeasure clear to the former Everton man during the game.

The journalist said on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast: “Yeah, as you were saying, Ange was not impressed at one point. 

“The 71st minute, Hojbjerg had the ball and spread it to Richarlison, it bounced, a bit of showboating, controlling it with his shoulder instead of chesting it. 

“Fulham get the ball and Ange is raging at that point, hands in the air, saying what’s going on here, just do the basics.”

Spurs Web Opinion

This is not a one-off as Richarlison has a history of showboating, having attempted something quite similar in the win over Nottingham Forest last season. I am sure that Ange will let the forward know in no uncertain terms that it is not acceptable.

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The atmosphere at Tottenham’s home ground was quite toxic at times last season under Antonio Conte and it did not seem like the players particularly enjoyed playing in front of the home supporters.

The performances were frequently met with jeers from the fans, with Davinson Sanchez even being booed off the pitch against Bournemouth back in April after coming on as a second-half substitute (talkSPORT).

However, things have been completely different in N17 this season, with there being a celebratory atmosphere at the ground after games.

(Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Maddison sings along to Dolly Parton at Tottenham

The Spurs players celebrated along with the home fans after scoring late winners against Sheffield United and Liverpool earlier in the season, and it turns out that Maddison did the same following the 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday.

The Telegraph wrote: “How Spurs are loving it. They loving Big Ange – at the final whistle they played Robbie Williams Angels and they also belted out Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

“Watching man-of-the-match Maddison return to the pitch to sing along to that country-and-western classic was almost as astonishing as his tireless performance.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There seems to be a deliberate attempt by the players to establish a closer connection with the supporters by celebrating with them for an extended period after each game. I suspect that is something that either Son or Postecoglou suggested in order to ensure that the fans are behind them the whole season.

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Hojbjerg, who has been a fixture in Tottenham’s midfielder over the past three seasons, has fallen down the pecking order this year, with Ange Postecoglou preferring a centre-midfield pairing of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr behind James Maddison.

With Bissouma suspended against the Cottagers after his red card against Luton Town, the Dane made his first Premier League start of the campaign against Marco Silva’s men.

The 28-year-old delivered a solid performance, putting in some excellent defensive work and handling possession impressively, with Postecolgou praising the experienced midfielder for his display (Football.London).

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Hojbjerg loved being back in the Tottenham XI

Hojbjerg stated that he enjoyed being involved but admitted that the team were a little sloppy on the ball in the second half.

He told The Independent: “Honestly it felt amazing to play. It was really nice to play. It felt really good. First half I thought we played some good football.

“I think we had to score more than the one and second half we lost a bit of intensity. We let Fulham back into it but especially first half I thought was strong.

“It is up to the coach to analyse (second half) now and to show us a bit what we needed. Personally, I felt the quality on the ball dropped a bit, but again we always know the first game back from the internationals is always a challenge.”

The Denmark international called on his Spurs teammates to ‘live with the pressure’ of being top of the table, remarking that the Lilywhites need to take it one game at a time.

He added: “I think it is game by game and it is important to try to improve. Improve every single week and try to see where we can take it. I think you have to live with the pressure, assume the pressure but again it is about improving and looking at yourself week in, week out.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Hojbjerg demonstrated against Fulham that he is more than good enough in possession to play in Postecoglou’s system and that he can be relied upon when there are any injuries.

However, I do not see him starting ahead of either Sarr or Bissouma as the Senegalese and the Malian have been exceptional this season.

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Maddison has not only made a huge difference to Tottenham in the final third this season, now having eight goal contributions to his name after his strike against Fulham, but the midfielder has also not been shy of dropping deep to get on the ball to help the side progress up the pitch.

The 26-year-old did that to brilliant effect against the Cottagers on Monday night after the away side decided to sit off and not press the Spurs centre-backs in the first half.

Maddison played several incisive passes through the lines as Marco Silva’s men found it difficult to control wave after wave of Tottenham attacks.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

James Maddison continues to impress at Tottenham

Although the Lilywhites took their foot off the gas in the second period, they cruised to a 2-0 win to return to the top of the Premier League table.

Smith said during the game on Sky Sports (broadcast on 23/10; 21:25): “Maddison has been outstanding this evening, Fulham haven’t been able to get near him. Surely if he keeps up this form he will easily make England’s squad for next year’s Euros.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Maddison will be eyeing a place in England’s starting eleven for the European championship, which would be difficult considering that Jude Bellingham plays in the same position.

However, the way the Tottenham man is going at the moment, it seems like Gareth Southgate would have no choice but to accommodate both players in the team next summer.

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Maddison was once again Tottenham’s most potent attacking threat against Fulham, with the attacking midfielder picking up the ball in dangerous areas in the first half and being at his creative best.

The former Leicester man got the home side’s second goal in 54 minutes, slotting home calmly into the far corner past Bernd Leno after being played through on goal by Son Heung-min.

It was the 26-year-old’s eighth goal contribution of the season (three goals and four assists) but it was the first one at home.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

James Maddison is in good spirits at Tottenham

Maddison spoke to Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (as relayed by Football.London) after the 2-0 win, starting the interview with a joke before going on to admit his delight at getting off the mark at home.

At the start of the conversation when the host Dave Jones asked a question, the Tottenham man said: “I can actually hear Marco Silva’s interview in my ear now.”

When Jamie Carragher asked what Silva was saying, Maddison joked: “I think he’s saying Maddison’s goal was excellent.”

The attacking midfielder then went on to remark that he was relieved to get off the mark in front of the home fans.

When asked about getting on the scoresheet, he said: “I’m really happy. All of my goal contributions have been away from home and I keep seeing the stats popping up about it.

“It’s nice to get off the mark here with a convincing performance and a solid win that puts us back of the table, so I’m relatively happy.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While it is still early days, there are already signs that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is becoming quite a fortress, with four wins from four until now.

There is no doubt that teams will not look forward to coming to the venue this season, given the atmosphere we have seen during the four matches so far.

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The Tottenham unbeaten run continued last night, with the Lilywhites delivering a professional performance to overcome Fulham 2-0 and return to the top of the table.

The first-half display was up there with the best 45 minutes we have seen from Ange Posteoclgou’s men this season but the home side did take their foot off the gas in the final 30 minutes, and conceded a few chances.

That was perhaps down to the changes that Postecoglou rang in the second half, with the Australian deciding to rest some of his starters and to bring on the likes of Emerson Royal, Oliver Skipp, Alejo Veliz, Giovani Lo Celso and Brennan Johnson.

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Ben Davies picked up a knock before Fulham match

Emerson played the final 36 minutes of the game at left-back after coming on for Desinty Udogie, with Davies not being named on the bench.

Eccleshare has explained that it was because the 30-year-old, who started both of Wales’ clashes against Gibraltar and Croatia during the international break, picked up a knock ahead of yesterday’s clash.

Spurs Web Opinion

It sounds like there was nothing serious and that Postecoglou decided to leave out Davies as a precaution.

Given the short turnover to the clash against Palace on Friday, it is not surprising that the Spurs boss decided to give a rest to many of the key international stars during the second half.

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Spurs were electric for much of the first half in front of their home fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Marco Silva’s men struggling to cope with the pace at which the Lilywhites moved the ball.

Son Heung-min gave Tottenham the lead on 36 minutes but the North Londoners would have undoubtedly been disappointed not to put the game to bend before the interval, given the chances that they created.

Fulham were much braver in the second period, looking to invite Tottenham’s pressure and play out from the back. That ended up costing them as a turnover high up the pitch led to James Maddison doubling the home side’s lead on 54 minutes.

However, the Cottagers subsequently went on to create some very good chances, with a combination of some last-ditch defending by Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and some sharp saves by Guglielmo Vicario needed to keep them out.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Postecoglou maintains high standards at Spurs

Postecoglou revealed that while he was over the moon with the way his side played out of possession, he admitted that he was far from impressed with the way they used the ball in the second half.

The Australian told Football.London: “I thought we showed our patience and I thought our pressing was outstanding the whole game. Maybe in the first half, we could have had one or two more just to put the game to bed.

“But really disappointed with the second half. With the ball we were nowhere near the levels we have been all year. That’s probably the worst sort of 45 minutes with the ball we’ve had all year.

“We’ve got to make sure we stay disciplined in our approach because in the end Vic made a couple of great saves to keep a clean sheet. Within that context, we should have had much better control of the game than we did.”

Postecoglou remarked that the second-half display showed that his side still have a lot of room for improvement.

When asked why there was a drop-off, he responded: “I’m not trying to make a point, it’s just what I saw. I thought we were really wasteful with the ball in the second half.

“We took some liberties with taking extra touches. I’ve been around long enough to know if you try to take liberties, you’ll get dragged down pretty quickly.

“I’m not going to let the fact that we’ve won the game disguise the opportunity there for us to improve. In the second half, with the ball we weren’t anywhere near the levels we’ve already shown this year and there was no real reason for it. It wasn’t as if the opposition did anything different. It was more self-inflicted.

“My role in that was to give feedback to the players. That’s what they want. They want to get better, they want to improve. I’ve got some stuff there to show them.

“I’ve said every week that I’ve sat here that we’ve still got a long way to go. That doesn’t change. We’re still nine games in, at the beginning of building something. It would be so much easier for me to sit here and say we’re a great team.

“What I’m saying is that we have to improve. That responsibility is on me to make sure we do. We can be better, absolutely we can. Within that context, without the ball, I thought we were brilliant tonight. We were outstanding. Let’s not discount it.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Unlike some of his predecessors, Postecoglou is evidently process-driven rather than results-oriented, with the Australian believing that results would take care of itself if the players do what is asked of them.

So, it is not surprising that he has expressed his frustration with our usage of the ball in the second half, and that is something he will undoubtedly want the players to learn from.

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It has been widely reported over the last couple of weeks that Son is not 100 per cent fit and that he is playing through a groin issue (The Athletic).

The South Korean was also seen limping at times during South Korea’s clash against Vietnam last week, although he did complete 90 minutes.

The Tottenham captain started against Fulham on Monday night and once again proved the difference in the final third, giving the home side the lead on 36 minutes with his seventh goal of the season.

The 31-year-old then set up James Maddison, who doubled Tottenham’s lead on 54 minutes to put the game beyond the Cottagers’ reach.

(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Heung-min Son is scoring goals and feeling fit

Son played 82 minutes before being replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, and Spurs fans will be happy to hear what the forward has said about his fitness following the final whistle.

Here’s what Godwin tweeted about his conversation with Son:

Asked Son about how he’s feeling and his levels of fitness and he was very positive. Said footballers always have little issues. ‘In the last couple of weeks I had a bit of a knock but now it’s fine’ #thfc #totful

— Nick Godwin (@NickGodwinsport) October 23, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Even though it sounds like Son is not quite at 100 per cent, he certainly appears quite sharp at the moment, much more so than last season, when he was noticeably moving a little sluggishly and lacked the kind of explosiveness that we have come to expect from the forward.

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Let’s take a look at five things we learned:

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with team mates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Top of the League

How could we start with anything else? Tottenham Hotspur are not only back at the top of the Premier League, but also two points clear… with a chance to make it five points clear on Friday. We have to enjoy it while it lasts, right?

Unsung Hero Hojbjerg

All of the talk was about Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after the team news was announced, as Ange Postecoglou was forced into a deviation from his normal first-choice XI. Hojbjerg came in for the suspended Bissouma and did an excellent job. What I loved was that he made the role his own.

I was worried that Spurs would try and force Hojbjerg to become this Bissouma-esque press-resistant pivot and Fulham would have a field day. Instead, the Dane dropped deep, picked up the ball, recognised where the most dangerous point of attack was, and recycled the ball into the space. Very simple but very effective. He also ran his socks off for the team, creating the second goal as a reward.

Postecoglou Has High Standards

Although Spurs were 2-0 up and Fulham didn’t look like getting back into the game, Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Spurs were sloppy in the second 45 at times, and it appears he holds them to high standards for the full 90. After all, one goal out of nothing and Fulham were within a sniff of a point. I love that Postecoglou is always thinking about the big picture. We are at the start of a process and a good performance means more to him than a simple win.

Captains Fantastic

I would argue that Tottenham’s three best players on the pitch last night, or at least three of the top five, were Heung-min Son, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero. Captain, vice-captain, and vice-captain. Two goals and an assist for Sonny, a goal for Maddison, and a commanding clean sheet for Romero.

If you watch any of the three off the ball for ten minutes, you also see how much they talk to the players around them. Romero applauded his fellow defenders a few times, Maddison had his arm around Richarlison, no doubt delivering some extra motivation or instructions, and Sonny is so much more of a talker than he was even 12 months ago. Strong leadership at Spurs!

Gugo, Gugo, Gugo!

Vicario deserves more than a mention here, and not just for his performance last night. He is among the most impressive goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, and there have been very few games where he has been allowed to sit back and enjoy a stress-free show.

More often than not, he earns his clean sheets with superb stops at important moments of the game, and that was no different yesterday. One to prevent Fulham from equalising with a header and another at 2-0 when the Cottagers went through on goal. The future of the Spurs gloves looks secure.

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Let’s take a look at how the individual players got on:

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Fulham

Guglielmo Vicario – 8 – He had a couple of nervy moments with the ball at his feet and, on another day, that could have cost Spurs a goal. However, his two crucial stops at important times in the game are worthy of more recognition.

Pedro Porro – 7.5 – A delightful performance from Tottenham’s right-back. Fulham afforded him a lot of space, both out wide and in the pockets, and he exploited that space expertly while also coming off best in his one-on-ones against Willian.

Cristian Romero – 9 – One of his finest performances in a Tottenham shirt, albeit not up against the most potent attackers. Fulham had an off day going forward and Romero was merciless. Winning the ball back for fun, covering in behind, and carrying the ball out of defence. Superb.

Micky Van de Ven – 8 – Almost as good as his Argentine partner, Van de Ven was cool, calm and collected on the ball. Defending as a two in a last-ditch manner really isn’t easy, but Van de Ven uses his pace and strength to make it look so.

Destiny Udogie – 7.5 – Picked up some really nice positions in the pockets between midfield and attack, while looking incredibly composed on and off the ball in defence. Only lasted 55 minutes.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 8.5 – There was so much attention on PEH before kick-off as he had a tough job of replacing Bissouma, but he made the role his own. Recycled the ball into the most dangerous areas for Spurs, setting up the attack for the second goal. Also spared Vicario’s blushes with an interception at one point when Tottenham otherwise may have conceded.

Pape Matar Sarr – 8 – Seemed to step up in the absence of Bissouma, dropping a little deeper at times to collect the ball and get Spurs up the pitch. Went down injured in the second half but fingers crossed it is nothing serious.

James Maddison – 9 – At first, I thought Maddison was just enjoying a purple patch, but he is maintaining these ridiculously high standards every single game. Another goal last night and it could have been a lot more. He took the game by the scruff of its neck and stamped his name on it.

Richarlison – 7 – It just won’t come off for Richarlison at the moment. He was arguably more impressive off the ball, with an incredible work rate and appetite to win the ball back. Unfortunately, he was wasteless in front of goal once again and could have had a couple.

Heung-min Son – 9 – A goal and an assist, plus a bunch of really bright moments in attack. When you give Sonny time and space around the box, you are going to have problems. His work in tight, central areas has really improved over the past year.

Dejan Kulusevski – 7.5 – Needs to be more selfish. Some of his work on the ball was crazy last night, wriggling through gaps that weren’t there and bullying the Fulham left-back with ease. Made a number of great chances, but also tried to tee up a teammate when he should have shot a few times.

Substitutes: 

Oliver Skipp – 6 – Came on for the injured Sarr and did a good job seeing the game out.

Emerson Royal – 6 – Came on for Udogie and looked really at home on the left and right.

Brennan Johnson – N/A

Alejo Veliz – N/A

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Ange Postecoglou’s side head into the break currently 1-0 ahead courtesy of Sonny’s stunner.

Guglielmo Vicario: Pulled off a stunning save to deny Paulinha from a corner kick when the Italian at full stretch palmed the ball away from goal.  Was fortunate when his pass went straight to a Fulham player which the visitors failed to capitalise on. 6.

Pedro Porro: Has tried to get forward as much as possible but has also had to do his fair share of defending to cover Willian. 6.

Cristian Romero: Composed and assured from Cuti, he is back to his best. 8.

Micky van de Ven: Had half a chance on goal when he volleyed over the bar from ten yards out.  Did well to win the ball back in the phase of play for Son’s opener. 7.

Destiny Udogie: Has been tucking in to join the attack in his role as an inverted full-back on every occasion possible. 7.

(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Pape Matar Sarr: Has pressed well but is certainly missing playing alonside Bissouma. 6.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Stung the hands with Leno with a shot from outside of the box after 26 minutes.  Booked just after the half hour mark. 6.

James Maddison: Has been causing Fulham all sorts of problems with his creativity.   8.

Dejan Kulusevski: Has been cutting inside in true Deki fashion and did well to set up the chance for Richarlison. He’ll be regretting not taking a shot at goal just before half time when he instead looked to pass. 7.

Heung-min Son: The captain has had a couple of half chances, one in the opening couple of minutes and snatched at an effort on the half hour.  He certainly made up for it with a stunning goal to bend the ball into the far corner. 7.

Richarlison: Was inches away from opening the scoring after a quick counter attack, but had to see his effort go the wrong side of the post.  Played a key pass to set up Son for the opener and has linked up well. 6.

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Spurs return to action following the international break knowing that three points against the Cottagers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will take them back to the top of the Premier League table.

The North Londoners have won seven of the eight most recent Premier League meetings, with the exception a 1-1 draw in N17 back in January 2021, while Fulham‘s solitary league win against Tottenham in the past 17 attempts was by 1-0 at White Hart Lane in March 2013. They have failed to score more than once in any of those 17 games.

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Spurs team news vs Fulham

Postecoglou will certainly remind his side about the Carabao Cup defeat they suffered back in late August against Marco Silva’s side, which is the only blot on the Australian’s impressive start to life as head coach at Tottenham.

This is who takes to the field for Tottenham in North London this evening:

Spurs: Vicario, Porro, Udogie, van de Ven, Romero, Maddison, Kulusevski, Sarr, Richarlison, Højbjerg, Son(c)

Subs: Forster, Royal, Phillips, Dier, Skipp, Lo Celso, Gil, Johnson, Velez

Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Bassey, Ream, Robinson, Palhinha, Lukic, De Cordova-Reid, Andreas, Willian, Vinicius.

Subs: Rodak, Reed, Jimenez, Wilson, Cairney, Ballo-Toure, Muniz, Iwobi, De Fougerolles

Your XI this evening pic.twitter.com/uJGJ632OAN

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 23, 2023

COYS

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Tottenham have the opportunity to reclaim their place at the top of the Premier League table against the Cottagers with a victory as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the top flight campaign under the leadership of the Australian.

(Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Can Spurs beat Fulham?

The only dropped points so far in the league have come in their two London derbies: 2-2 draws at Brentford and Arsenal, however, Spurs fans will be expecting to take revenge against Fulham, who knocked them out of the Carabao Cup at the second round stage at the end of August.

The Cottagers are without a win in their past 10 Premier League London derbies, while their only triumph in 21 away fixtures in the capital was 3-0 at Crystal Palace on Boxing Day last year.

Among the players spotted arriving in N17 were Bryan Gil, Pedro Porro and James Maddison.

In the building for some Monday night football pic.twitter.com/ZlDhX3iMTC

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 23, 2023

COYS

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Ange Postecoglou’s side headed into the fortnight away from club football due to the international break at the top of the Premier League table after an unbeaten start to their top-flight campaign.

Ironically, Tottenham’s only defeat of the season to date came against the Cottagers in late August when Postecoglou’s decision to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up saw his side crash out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Craven Cottage.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Can Spurs beat Fulham?

The former midfielder has backed his old side to take all three points from the fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, believing that their London rivals will be no match for the quality of the Spurs squad.

O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport: “Tottenham are absolutely flying at the moment and they didn’t really need the international break because they probably would have kicked on and been a few points clear at the top by now.

“The reality is that things are looking good for Spurs fans right now – they’re top of the league and Ange Postecoglou has already won two Manager of the Month awards.

“With the form Spurs are in, Monday night’s game against Fulham will be a walk in the park for them. I think they will breeze through the game.

“Fulham are not the side that they were last season and I think Marco Silva will be regretting not taking a move to Saudi Arabia because they look so poor this season. They’ve got Tim Ream playing centre-back and he looks like he has a mistake in him every week. I think Spurs will pounce on them and win the game comfortably. I can see Spurs winning 3-1.

“Fulham look really poor at the moment and I don’t think Spurs are going to show any mercy. It doesn’t look like James Maddison is going to stop performing anytime soon and if he is on form then I think Spurs win comfortably.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Tottenham certainly cannot take the game the granted, especially after the international break which could prove to be dangerous if the players do not take the game to Fulham.   

Given Postecoglou’s attacking style, he will expect his players to not take their foot off the gas and continue the impressive form which has seen the fans enjoying watching their once again – hopefully, they don’t leave it as late to secure the victory this time out!

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Wins for Liverpool and Man City took them above the Lilywhites, while Arsenal came from two goals down to rescue a draw away to Chelsea, thus keeping their unbeaten record intact.

That means, we currently have the Citizens at the top of the table with 21 points and a goal difference of 12, followed by Arsenal on the same tally but a goal difference of 10.

Liverpool and Spurs are both one point behind the leaders on 20, with goal differences of 11 and 10 respectively heading into Monday Night Football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

What do Spurs need to do to go top again?

While a draw at home to Fulham would take Spurs joint top on points with Man City and Arsenal, they would fall short on goal difference.

A score draw would take Spurs up into second, above Arsenal on goals scored. However, a 0-0 result would see the two North London sides both have 21 points, 10 goal difference, and 18 goals scored.

Normally, it would go down to head-to-head, but the clubs played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates earlier this season. Therefore, it would go down to away goals in that fixture, inching Spurs ahead.

A win, of course, would take Tottenham back to the summit of the table and two points clear of both Man City and Arsenal, three clear of Liverpool.

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