Tottenham Hotspur extended their best start to a top-flight season in over six decades with a resounding 2-0 victory over Fulham, propelling them two points clear at the pinnacle of the Premier League on Monday.
The match showcased the class and finesse of Captain Son Heung-min, who notched his seventh league goal of the season with a sublime right-foot curler into the top corner. This goal marked his 50th strike at Tottenham’s new stadium since its inauguration in 2019. Son was not only the goal scorer but also turned playmaker as he orchestrated James Maddison’s first home goal for the club in the early stages of the second half.
Tottenham best Start under guidance Ange Postecoglou:
Under the guidance of their new manager, Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs remain unbeaten in the league, amassing an impressive 23 points. They now sit two points ahead of the reigning champions, Manchester City, and their local rivals, Arsenal. The opportunity to stretch their lead further awaits them when they face Crystal Palace on Friday, with the potential to establish a five-point cushion.
Despite a few late opportunities after Tottenham eased off, Fulham had a lackluster performance and currently occupies the 13th position in league with 11 points.
The victory held special significance for Tottenham, as Fulham had previously ousted them from the League Cup via penalties, which remains the sole blemish in Postecoglou’s impressive tenure in North London. Postecoglou lured from Celtic with the mission to revitalize the club’s fortunes, has now accomplished the best start by a new manager in the Premier League.
However, even in the wake of yet another triumph, the Australian manager voiced his reservations about his team’s performance. He emphasized that the second half could have been better, and his team did not exhibit their full potential. He cited wastefulness and underestimating the game’s demands as the key issues. “You have to respect the game, and if you are even slightly off your game, it can have a detrimental impact. We took some liberties, which I wasn’t pleased with. It was our worst 45 minutes regarding ball control,” he lamented.
Tottenham’s dynamic style of play was evident from the outset as they created numerous opportunities, with Son being denied by Fulham’s former Arsenal goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. Defender Micky van de Ven volleyed a chance over the bar, and Richarlison side-footed wide after a beautifully orchestrated move.
Fulham’s best chance in the opening half fell to Joao Palhinha, whose header was expertly saved by Guglielmo Vicario.
The breakthrough moment arrived when Fulham’s Calvin Bassey made a costly error with a wayward pass out of defense, exposing his team. Richarlison seized the opportunity and delivered the ball to Son, who skillfully curled it beyond Leno into the net.
Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Reacts to Tough Loss on Team’s Performance
Maddison continued to shine, being at the heart of Tottenham’s best plays throughout the season since his transfer from Leicester City during the summer. His moment of reward came when another errant pass from Bassey was intercepted, and Son fed the ball to Maddison. The English international displayed his finesse by steering a silky, low finish past Leno.
With another match scheduled for Friday, the management decided to substitute Maddison, Son, and Richarlison during the second half, and this caused Tottenham to lose their focus momentarily. Fulham had opportunities to capitalize on this, but their attempts came to naught, including a delayed shot by Harry Wilson.
Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, who has never secured a Premier League win against Spurs, commented on the match, “In the second half, we increased the pressure a bit, but, in the end, we leave empty-handed.”
Tottenham’s scintillating form under Postecoglou shows no signs of abating, and they appear to be genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season, delighting their devoted fan base.
