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Premier League | Gameweek 2
Aug 18, 2018 at 3pm UK
 
Fulham logo

3-1

Moura (43'), Trippier (74'), Kane (77')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Mitrovic (52')

Live Commentary: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage as Tottenham Hotspur register a 3-1 victory over Fulham in Saturday's Premier League clash at Wembley Stadium.
2

Tottenham Hotspur have registered a 3-1 victory over Fulham in Saturday's Premier League clash at Wembley Stadium.

Lucas Moura gave Spurs the lead with a brilliant curling effort with his left foot, but Aleksandar Mitrovic soon equalised from close range after the break.

Fulham were matching Spurs heading into the final half-hour, but a free kick from Kieran Trippier and a 12-yard strike from Harry Kane - who scores a Premier League goal in August for the first time - gave Mauricio Pochettino's side a deserved win.

Find out how all of the action unfolded in North London courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.


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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham. These two teams endured contrasting fortunes last weekend, but who will be able to prevail from today's London derby at Wembley Stadium? Let's see who features in each starting lineup.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Eriksen, Davies; Moura, Alli; Kane

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUBSTITUTES: Vorm, Rose, Aurier, Sissoko, Winks, Dembele, Lamela


FULHAM XI: Fabri; Fosu-Mensah, Chambers, Le Marchand, Bryan; Anguissa, Cairney, Seri; Kamara, Sessegnon, Mitrovic

FULHAM SUBSTITUTES: Rico, Christie, McDonald, Johansen, Kebano, Schurrle, Vietto


UPDATE! Before we bring you all the details regarding the teams, let us update you on the fixture which is already taking place. It remains goalless between Cardiff City and Newcastle United with just over 10 minutes remaining in South Wales. Click here to catch the closing stages of that game.

Let's take a look at the Spurs team news as Mauricio Pochettino opts to make a couple of surprise inclusions. We had expected largely the same team as the one which started the game at Newcastle United last weekend, but the Argentine has opted for a change in system and personnel with Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld both coming back into the side.

Alderweireld will feature on the right-hand side of a back three, with Trippier being used at right wing-back. Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko are the players to drop down to the substitutes' bench.

The absence of Sissoko means that Christian Eriksen will be used in the centre of the park alongside Eric Dier. Don't expect Dier to advance too far forward, leaving the Dane with licence to join Dele Alli, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane in the final third.

There are a number of interesting names among the replacements. Danny Rose is there despite having being linked with a loan departure, while both Harry Winks and Erik Lamela have recovered from injuries to feature in the 18-man squad. Son Heung-min is absent due to being selected by South Korea for the Asian Games.

As for Fulham, Slavisa Jokanovic has opted to make three changes to the team which started the opening game against Crystal Palace. The most notable inclusion is that of summer signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who replaces Kevin McDonald in midfield.

There is also a surprise as Andre Schurrle is only named among the substitutes, with Aboubakar Kamara being named as the German's replacement. It means that Luciano Vietto must wait for a starting role after joining on loan from Atletico Madrid.

The third alteration sees Timothy Fosu-Mensah brought into the team in place of Cyrus Christie. The Manchester United defender recently joined on loan, and also represented Crystal Palace on a temporary basis last season.

The rest of the team is as expected. Alfie Mawson is still working towards a debut after having knee surgery during the summer, while Denis Odoi is suspended after his dismissal in the Championship playoff final.

UPDATE! There is late drama at the Cardiff City Stadium! Newcastle United have been awarded a penalty in the fifth minute of added-on time...

RESULT! Kenedy misses! It was a shocking penalty as well. The match in South Wales has ended in a goalless draw with both clubs getting their first point of the season on the board. Click here to read our on-the-whistle match report.

Back to this game now. There is no doubting that Spurs have been on an upward curve in recent seasons, but it has been four years since the North London outfit won each of their opening two games of the season.

That streak could come to an end this afternoon after last weekend's 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. Each of the goals came in the opening 18 minutes and Spurs had to ride their luck at times in the second half, but it could be argued that a scrappy win is the best way to start a campaign.

Spurs head into this game possessing a 36-match unbeaten streak against newly-promoted teams. The last defeat came away at Queens Park Rangers in 2012.

Pochettino's side have also only lost two of their last 38 home fixtures in the Premier League, although both of those setbacks came against Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley last season.

We cannot go through this build-up without bringing you up to date on Kane's goalless streak in top-flight fixtures during August. The England international has taken the total up to 14 matches.

The prolific frontman has also struggled in recent London derbies. Just five goals have been scored in the last 13 matches.

Let's turn our attention to Fulham now, who are competing in just their third-ever match at Wembley. They lost the 1975 FA Cup final to West Ham United, but were triumphant in May as they got the better of Aston Villa in the Championship playoff final.

Fulham are also competing in their 1,000th top-flight fixture this afternoon, but they have not started a Premier League or first division season with back-to-back defeats since 1967.

That is a possibility this afternoon, however, after Crystal Palace won 2-0 at Craven Cottage last weekend. Fulham had been favourites to prevail after spending heavily during the summer transfer window, but the Eagles were full value for their success.

If Fulham are going to get anything from today's game, they may have to end an 18-match streak in which they have conceded goals in away fixtures in the Premier League.

PREDICTION! The majority of Spurs' first-team squad are without a prolonged summer break, but we do not expect that to be an issue against Fulham. The visitors will be a threat going forward, but Spurs should have too much quality at the other end.

HEAD TO HEAD! Saturday's clash will represent the 97th competitive meeting between the two sides, with Spurs registering 49 wins in comparison to 18 for Fulham.

Spurs have won six of the last seven matches between the clubs, although there has not been a league encounter between the teams since April 2014.

The most recent clash came in 2017 when a hat-trick from Harry Kane gave Spurs a 3-0 win in an FA Cup tie at Craven Cottage.

It's time for the two teams to starting making their way out at Wembley. It's not a full house at the national stadium, but we expect both sides to make a lot of noise this afternoon.

A reminder of the two starting lineups...

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Eriksen, Davies; Moura, Alli; Kane

FULHAM XI: Fabri; Fosu-Mensah, Chambers, Le Marchand, Bryan; Anguissa, Cairney, Seri; Kamara, Sessegnon, Mitrovic


KICKOFF:  Spurs get us underway!

SHOT!  It has been a shaky start from Fulham with Seri gifting the ball straight to Spurs in his own defensive third, but Davies fired a shot wide with his weaker right foot.

There are already signs that this could be a long afternoon for Fulham. Spurs are spraying the ball around with intent and getting it in behind the two full-backs.

CHANCE!  How has Moura not scored?! Spurs probe and Fulham are unable to clear away the danger. The ball eventually falls to Davies who drills a cross into the centre, but Moura heads wide of an open goal from eight yards out.

To Fulham's credit, they are looking to play attacking football but as soon as they lose the ball, Spurs are swarming them. They always appear to have one man spare.

It looks like the Cottagers may have cottoned on to what they can and can't do. Only Mitrovic - who I don't think has touched the ball - is being allowed to stay ahead of the ball.

Spurs continue to go on the attack at every opportunity, but Fulham are just about surviving. A corner towards the near post from Trippier is easily cleared.

CHANCE!  Should Kane have had a penalty? Probably. Eriksen released the forward through on goal but as Kane was about to shoot, Fosu-Mensah appeared to make connection with his ankle. However, the referee waved the appeals away.

Kane got another chance to get a shot away, but he dragged an effort wide of Fabri's right-hand post.


Spurs engineer yet another chance to get a cross in from the right flank, but a delivery from a short corner is low and straight to a Fulham defender.

LATEST! There has been a goal in the game at Goodison Park, with Theo Walcott giving Everton the lead against former club Southampton. You can follow that fixture by clicking here.

The pattern of the game remains the same, although Fabri has not been forced into much work in the Fulham goal over the past few minutes. The visitors have made absolutely no impact in the final third.

Almost an opening for Sessegnon, who has switched to the right flank. The youngster got inside of Davies and looked ready to get a shot away, but a defender deflected the ball behind for a corner, which came to nothing.

CHANCE!  Back come Spurs, who manage to Eriksen on the ball in a central position. The Dane strides forward to around 25 yards out, but a shot is fired harmlessly wide of the post.

There are a few signs of frustration from both Spurs and their supporters. It is probably a bit soon for that! The home side are still well in control.

Jokanovic is animated on the touchline, but the Serbian will be relieved that his side are still on level terms. It has been a tough introduction back into life in the top flight.

SHOT!  In all fairness, Fulham have had more joy over the last 10 minutes. Cairney takes it upon himself to get a shot away from distance, but Lloris makes the save to his right.

Maybe that is the wake-up call that Spurs required. They were not necessarily feeling sorry for themselves having failed to take the lead, but the earlier intensity had started to drop.

SHOT!  Spurs win a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and it is Eriksen to take. The set piece is a good one, but Fabri gets down well to push the Dane's low effort away.

LATEST! There has been another goal in the fixture at Goodison Park and Everton have doubled their advantage through Richarlison. He's looking a decent signing...

Click here to follow the game on Merseyside.


CHANCE!  Fulham's best chance of the first half. Seri plays a delightful pass over the top of the Spurs defence for Sessegnon, but the youngster sees a shot smothered at his feet by Lloris after the ball had been brought under control.

This is fantastic play from Spurs, and even better defending from Fulham. At least three shots are blocked inside the penalty area, before Eriksen drills a shot well over Fabri's crossbar.

GOAL!  Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Fulham (Lucas Moura)

Wow, what a goal this is! A Fulham defender made an interception inside of the six-yard box but the ball only ran to Moura who was waiting on the edge of the area. The Brazilian opted to take the shot on first time, curling a left-footed effort into the net off the inside of the far post. Unstoppable.

There will be two minutes of added-on time.

HALF TIME:  Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Fulham

The half-time whistle goes at Wembley Stadium and Spurs lead thanks to that stunning effort from Lucas Moura. Spurs are full value for their lead, but they have certainly made hard work of that opening 45 minutes. Fulham improved as the half progressed, but the Cottagers will need something extra to get back into this game.

Moura's goal came as a result of more last-ditch Fulham defending, but the visitors were finally made to pay when Moura managed to curl a left-footed effort in off the far post from 20 yards. The Brazilian looks settled in this Spurs side now after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in January.

In the other games, Everton and Leicester City both hold two-goal leads over Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while West Ham United are beating Bournemouth by a single goal. It has not been a good day for visiting teams.

KICKOFF:  Fulham get us back underway.

OFF THE POST!  Fulham almost find an equaliser! The Cottagers broke forward and Mitrovic ended up being the man over. The Serbian opted to shoot from 20 yards but his effort struck the far post and rebounded clear. Lloris was beaten.

CHANCE!  Each time that Fulham have threatened, Spurs have gone back down the other end and come close themselves. The ball fell invitingly for Alli around 16 yards out, but the midfielder's volley was straight at Fabri, who punched the ball clear.

This second half is warming up very nicely. Fulham are not biding their time before searching for an equaliser, and I think that has caught Spurs by surprise to a certain extent.

GOAL!  Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Fulham (Aleksandar Mitrovic)

There you go - Fulham have their equaliser! A cross from a deep position finds Sessegnon at the back post and although the teenager's should score, his miscued shot goes straight to Mitrovic who heads the ball into the net while on the ground. Game on.

The Fulham supporters are delighted and rightly so. They have been second best, but they are now beginning to match their more illustrious hosts. There are more goals in this game.

If anything, Fulham look the more likely to find the third goal in this match. They are pushing forward from all angles and Pochettino may be forced into a rethink.

LATEST! Southampton have managed to pull a goal back in their game with Everton. Danny Ings has netted his first goal for the Saints. Click here to keep track of the final half-an-hour.

We are an hour through the game at Wembley and Spurs have not produced much of a threat in the final third since Fulham equalised. Still no sign of Pochettino making a change.

Fulham need to be careful not to retreat too deep when Spurs get on the ball. They have been effective when being prepared to push up and go toe to toe with their London rivals.

SUBSTITUTION! It is a change of formation for Spurs. Sanchez has been replaced by Dembele, who will join Dier in midfield which will allow Eriksen to move further forward.

Spurs are really beginning to flood the Fulham final third and it is causing the visitors to go all-out defence.

CHANCE!  The pressure continues as Fabri fails to deal with a cross and only palms the ball into the direction of Alli. The midfielder does well to compose himself and arrow a shot towards the far corner, but the ball is cleared off the line.

It is still all Spurs. I don't think that Fulham will be able to hold out if this continues. We are still to see any changes from Jokanovic.

Fabri does not look the most confident of goalkeepers. Moments after clawing away a cross, he then fails to hold onto the ball when another delivery is sent in.

SUBSTITUTIONS! Both teams make a change. Spurs introduce Lamela for Dier, while Johansen replaces Cairney.

GOAL!  Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Fulham (Kieran Trippier)

Turns out that Trippier's free kick for England in the World Cup was not a fluke. The right wing-back scores another stunner of a set piece, this time curling the ball into the opposite corner from more than 25 yards out. Fabri had no chance.

The onus is now on Fulham to get more men forward again. They have spent the last 15 minutes on the back foot, but they now have to take a risk or two.

GOAL!  Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham (Harry Kane)

This is not a drill - Harry Kane has scored a Premier League goal in August! Lamela drove forward before playing the ball to Kane on the left and after drifting inside a defender, the striker curled a low effort into the far corner from 12 yards out. Game over.

CHANCE!  Spurs are all over Fulham now. Alli strides forward and eventually sets up Lamela, who sees a curling effort comfortably held by Fabri.

The home side know that they have got this game won. Fulham are simply trying to avoid losing by four or five, which they wouldn't deserve.

SHOT!  Spur are absolutely peppering the Fulham goal. Kane and Alli both see close-range efforts blocked by Fabri.

SUBSTITUTION! Fulham make another alteration as Christie replaces Bryan.

SUBSTITUTION! This game is starting to peter out now. Schurrle is introduced for Kamara.

SUBSTITUTION! Spurs also make an alteration as Winks is brought on for Kane. It is is first Premier League appearance since December.

There will be three minutes of added-on time.

A late injury to Anguissa has resulted in a lengthy stoppage in play. It is just delaying the inevitable.

FULL TIME: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Fulham

The full-time whistle goes at Wembley and Spurs have registered a 3-1 victory over Fulham. The game proved to be competitive for over an hour as Fulham held their own, but the home side rallied during the closing stages and deservedly prevailed in comfortable fashion.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this afternoon and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.


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