Tottenham won 1-0 against Fulham, with three players, in particular, failing to shine at Craven Cottage.
Antonio Conte can only shudder to think where Tottenham would be this season without their talisman Harry Kane, who scored the game-winning goal against Fulham. The 29-year-old provided a timely reminder of why the club must do everything possible to keep him long-term after tying Jimmy Greaves for the club’s all-time goalscoring record with 266 goals.
In the first half, Spurs were far from convincing as the hosts dominated possession, pinging in crosses from all angles to put Hugo Lloris to the test. That was until Kane, on the swivel, struck a powerful low effort that nestled into the side netting just before halftime, providing the Italian with much-needed relief.
While the back three held firm, the overall performance was far from impressive and would have done little to appease Spurs supporters who want their team to play attractive football while winning.
Express Sport looks at three Tottenham Hotspur players who did not perform well at Craven Cottage…
No one has ever accused the South Korean of downing tools – his tireless work ethic is one admirable aspect of his character – but some may argue that he is attempting to end his mysterious drought in front of goal too hard. That was reflected in his not seeing red for a late challenge on Kenny Tete that was more overzealous than malicious.
Son has gone from winning the Golden Boot with 23 goals last season to scoring just once in his last 13 games. The pressure of playing every week and the mid-season World Cup may have taken their toll on his fitness, but his play in the final third is lacking.
Of course, after laying on a simple pass to assist Kane with the opening goal, the 30-year-old can console himself that he is at least contributing in some way. However, the fact that he was substituted late on for Richarlison suggests that Conte knows he can no longer accept Son’s goal-scoring woes while his team struggles to find the net.
Kulusevski, Dejan
The Swede has yet to reach the heights he achieved after joining on loan from Juventus last January, and there could be a simple explanation for his slump in form.
The 22-year-old started his Spurs career on a high note, with three goals and six assists in his first eight appearances. His contributions have dwindled somewhat in 2022-23, with only two goals from 12 appearances this season. Injury issues have contributed to his absence, but the winger has appeared rusty of late.
After scoring in the 4-2 loss to Manchester City last time out, there were some signs of a return to form. Even when he tried his best trickery against Robinson, he couldn’t get past the American full-back. With performances like this, it’s no surprise Conte is attempting to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma.
Conte knew what he was getting when he swooped in to sign the 33-year-old on a free transfer last summer, and after an impressive few months, it looked like a wise move.
But Perisic has struggled in his new role as a left wing-back, bringing Ryan Sessegnon in from the cold to partner with the veteran winger. He escaped punishment for a second-half incident in which he raised his boot high in a 50-50 with Bobby De Cordova-Reid, with VAR unable to intervene because it occurred outside the box.
The spurs have no complaints about his eight assists in all competitions this season. However, Perisic has been less effective in carrying out his duties in recent weeks, raising legitimate concerns about his ability to command a spot in the lineup every week.
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