Tottenham Hotspur’s miserable Premier League campaign took another hit as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham. Goals from Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon in the second half secured the win for Marco Silva’s side, leaving Ange Postecoglou’s men reeling from yet another frustrating performance.
Despite entering the match with confidence after their Europa League triumph against AZ Alkmaar, Postecoglou opted to rotate his squad—a decision that ultimately backfired spectacularly. Tottenham struggled to impose themselves at Craven Cottage, and after a lackluster first half, Postecoglou made a double substitution at the break in an attempt to inject some energy into his side. However, the changes failed to alter the course of the game, and Spurs succumbed to another painful loss.
With one midfielder’s future in serious doubt after a dismal performance, and several players underperforming, Express Sport breaks down how each Tottenham player fared on the night.
Goalkeeper
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
The Italian shot-stopper endured a relatively quiet evening but found himself helpless for both of Fulham’s goals. His defenders did little to protect him, and he wasn’t forced into many spectacular saves. Vicario can hardly be blamed for the result, but he also didn’t produce any game-changing moments to keep Tottenham in contention.
Defenders
Djed Spence – 6
Recently making a name for himself at left-back, Spence was switched to the right to accommodate Destiny Udogie, and it visibly affected his rhythm. He struggled to replicate the attacking fluency that had him on the fringes of an England call-up, and his defensive contributions were inconsistent at best.
Cristian Romero – 6
The Argentine international was arguably the most composed of Tottenham’s backline but still failed to impose himself on the match. While his aggressive challenges are a hallmark of his game, he was left frustrated and out of sync, unable to inspire defensive stability.
Ben Davies – 4
A night to forget for the Welshman, who was at fault for allowing Ryan Sessegnon to score against his former club. Davies found himself badly exposed and struggled to cope with Fulham’s attacking movements. With Micky van de Ven sidelined, Davies’ weaknesses were glaring, and this performance highlighted the drop-off in defensive quality when he is in the lineup.
Destiny Udogie – 5
An energetic presence as always, but his link-up play with Mathys Tel on the left was disjointed. Udogie thrives when allowed to bomb forward and overlap, but his attacking intent was stifled, leaving Spurs lacking width on the left flank.
Midfielders
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
Tasked with leading a midfield devoid of creativity, Bentancur struggled to influence the game in the way Spurs needed. While he showed glimpses of his technical quality, Fulham’s midfield duo outworked and outmaneuvered him, leaving Spurs chasing shadows for much of the match.
Yves Bissouma – 3
A performance to forget for Bissouma, who was hooked at half-time after a woeful first 45 minutes. His sloppy passing and lack of composure frustrated the traveling Spurs fans, and his night was summed up by a moment where he aimlessly passed the ball out of play, leading to audible groans from the away section. A shadow of the player who once dominated Premier League midfields.
Archie Gray – 5
Postecoglou gave Gray a chance in midfield, a move that many fans had been calling for. However, the youngster failed to replicate his composed performances from defense, struggling to keep up with the physicality and tempo of Fulham’s midfield. A learning experience for the teenager, but one that exposed his need for further development in a central role.
Forwards
Brennan Johnson – 4
Another anonymous performance from Johnson, who was substituted at halftime alongside Bissouma. The former Nottingham Forest man has looked hesitant in possession, unwilling to take on defenders in the way that made him so effective in the Championship. Johnson needs to rediscover his fearless attacking approach, especially with Wilson Odobert impressing in midweek.
Dominic Solanke – 6
Spurs’ main attacking outlet, but lacked the finishing touch when it mattered. He had a golden opportunity from a Son Heung-min free-kick but failed to convert. Solanke’s hold-up play was decent, but he was often left isolated and struggled to break down Fulham’s resolute defense.
Mathys Tel – 4
The young French forward endured a difficult evening, struggling to get involved in meaningful attacking moments. With competition for places heating up, Tel will need to deliver stronger performances to retain his spot in Postecoglou’s starting XI.
Final Verdict
Tottenham’s Premier League woes continue, with this defeat further denting their ambitions of securing a top-four finish. Postecoglou’s rotation gamble failed spectacularly, with several players underperforming and key weaknesses exposed.
With the race for Champions League qualification intensifying, Spurs cannot afford more slip-ups, and Postecoglou must quickly find solutions to reignite his team’s faltering league form. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial, and if Spurs fail to bounce back, questions will continue to be asked about the team’s depth, mentality, and tactical approach.
Tottenham player ratings vs Fulham: 3/10 struggles and three more out of sorts in defeat
