Tottenham Hotspur’s best start to a Premier League season in more than 60 years improved with a 2-0 home win against Fulham on Monday, taking them two points clear at the top. Captain Son Heung-Min’s seventh league goal of the season, combined with James Maddison’s first home goal for the club, clinched the club’s seventh win in nine league games.
In the 36th minute, Son curled a right-footed attempt into the top corner, setting up playmaker Maddison to score with a calm finish in the 54th minute of the game. Spurs are unbeaten in the league this season, with 23 points, two more than winners Manchester City and local rivals Arsenal. Spurs will play Crystal Palace next on October 27 (Friday), with a chance to go five points ahead. Fulham are 13th with 11 points, despite some late chances when Tottenham slowed down.
Victory was extra sweet because the West London club eliminated Tottenham from the League Cup on penalties – the only glitch in Postecoglou’s excellent start in north London. Postecoglou, who was hired from Celtic to turn around the club’s woes, has now had the best start by a new manager in the Premier League. Despite another victory, the Australian was dissatisfied with his team’s effort.
Tottenham’s front-foot style was on display early on as they created chances, with Son stopped by Fulham’s former Arsenal custodian Bernd Leno. After a sweeping play, Richarlison side-footed wide after defender Micky van de Van volleyed over the bar. Fulham’s greatest chance came in the first half when Joao Palhinha’s header was well saved by Guglielmo Vicario.
Spurs were given a helping hand to break the deadlock when Calvin Bassey’s clumsy ball out of defense left them exposed, and Richarlison found Son, who slipped to his right before curling a shot past Leno. Maddison was at the center of much of Tottenham’s best work once again, as he has done all season since joining from Leicester City in the close season, and he was quickly rewarded. After sloppier Fulham defending, Son rolled the ball to Maddison, who extended his body and drove a beautiful low finish past Leno.
Maddison, Son, and Richarlison were all substituted during the second half due to a game on Friday. Tottenham lost focus and could have paid the price, but Fulham failed to capitalize on numerous late chances.
