Tottenham experienced their first defeat under Harry Redknapp on
Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.
In a display that lacked the determination and fight that has
become associated with Spurs in Redknapp’s short time in charge,
Spurs were undone by a Fulham side who worked harder and retained
possession far better than their opponents did.
A Heurelho Gomes blooper handed Fulham the lead after half an
hour, and Andy Johnson’s fourth league goal of the season doubled
that lead with 20 minutes of the game remaining.
Fraizer Campbell scored twice against Liverpool in the Carling
Cup in midweek – as did Roman Pavlyuchenko – but both were dropped
to the bench as Darren Bent started alone up front, but the man on
loan from Manchester United made his mark as a late substitute with
an 81st-minute effort that secured his first Premier League goal
and offered hope of an unlikely result for the away side.
There was to be no fightback however as Roy Hodgson’s side stood
firm to secure victory and serve Redknapp the unfamiliar taste of
defeat in the Spurs dugout.
