Tottenham returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
Crouch and Bentley seal 2-0 victory
Tottenham returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
There was little to choose between the sides in a tight first half but Spurs were gifted an opening goal on 27 minutes when Fulham failed to clear a David Bentley cross and Peter Crouch turned the ball home following good work by Luka Modric.
David Bentley then doubled Spurs' advantage on the hour mark with a deflected free-kick from the edge of the area.
Fulham rarely threatened in attack as they slumped to a fourth successive league defeat, while Spurs will feel they are back on track in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Busy for Smalling
All eyes were on Chris Smalling in the early stages after it was announced that Manchester United had agreed terms for the Fulham defender to play at Old Trafford next season.
He had plenty to deal with in the first few minutes. Tom Huddlestone had the first attempt on goal, fizzing a volley that Mark Schwarzer parried after Jermain Defoe's flick and Crouch's dummy.
Schwarzer's palms were stung by another Huddlestone drive and Crouch headed wide after Gareth Bale lofted a cross to the far post.
Fulham's threat came through former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora, back from a broken collarbone but lacking support in attack.
After Damien Duff crossed in the 13th minute, Zoltan Gera deftly cushioned a pass for Zamora but Heurelho Gomes rushed out to save the finish and needed treatment after the brave block. It was the closest they came all evening.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute thanks to Modric's impish skill. Most had expected Bentley's deep cross to drop for a goal-kick, including Riise, but Modric did not give up and managed to flick the ball over the Norwegian. He then scissor-volleyed inside and Crouch escaped the attention of Smalling to tap home.
Crouch's 10th of the season was more about Modric's quick feet rather than Smalling losing his striker - and the youngster showed good composure in general, giving an example why United and Arsenal have been chasing him.
Modric almost doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time but it was nothing to do with Smalling's defending. The Croatian tricked his way past Hughes and curled a shot that kissed the crossbar.
Frustrating
Spurs fans have endured frustrating performances at home during the current campaign - and Fulham were still in the game while the hosts were just a goal ahead at the break.
Palacios had a chance when he headed over from Bentley's cross, then Duff illustrated Fulham's threat when he powerfully drove straight at Gomes from a promising position.
But the second goal arrived just before the hour mark after Bale was tripped on the edge of the area by Hughes. Bentley's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Riise, completing a wretched match for the midfielder, and totally wrongfooted Schwarzer.
The dubious goals panel will decide on whether Bentley will be awarded the goal - but it did not matter to the midfielder as he wheeled away to celebrate his first goal in five months.
The 25-year-old has had his attitude questioned by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and it is no secret he wants to leave the club - but it was a key moment and a rare golden moment for the winger, who was left out of the matchday squad against Leeds at the weekend.
Michael Dawson headed over from a Bentley free-kick, with Spurs failing to add to their goals but holding out for victory.
| Tottenham Hotspur |
Team Statistics |
Fulham |
| 2 |
Goals |
0 |
| 1 |
1st Half Goals |
0 |
| 5 |
Shots on Target |
3 |
| 7 |
Shots off Target |
3 |
| 3 |
Blocked Shots |
5 |
| 11 |
Corners |
3 |
| 13 |
Fouls |
17 |
| 2 |
Offsides |
5 |
| 1 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 77.5 |
Passing Success |
75.3 |
| 16 |
Tackles |
21 |
| 68.8 |
Tackles Success |
71.4 |
| 48.8 |
Possession |
51.2 |
| 52.9 |
Territorial Advantage |
47.1 |
|
