Rodrigo Muniz scored twice as Fulham frazzled Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday, the first time Ange Postecoglou’s men have been shut out this Premier League season.
The Cottagers opened the scoring before halftime and Sasa Lukic doubled the lead after the break, with Muniz completing his brace just after the hour mark.
WATCH FULHAM vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FULL MATCH REPLAY
Joao Palhinha, Sasa Lukic and Alex Iwobi helped control the middle of the park, as Spurs struggled to make any headway and were open at the back without Micky van de Ven.
Spurs had won two-straight to strengthen their surprising top-four hopes but they have played one game less than Aston Villa as they bid to make up three points on the Villans.
Fulham have taken points in six-of-eight to move well clear of the bottom three, now just two points back of 10th place Newcastle United. The Cottagers have played one more game than the Magpies.
Palhinha is everything to Fulham’s success
Ten defensive actions, 12-of-16 duels won, three shot attempts, two blocked shots, five fouls drawn, and three-of-three on long passes.
That’s quite a day for Joao Palhinha, and Fulham will be so thankful his late summer move to Bayern Munich collapsed because the 28-year-old defensive midfielder has been immense.
Consider that this dominance came in a game against a team known for being ornery in the midfield. Palhinha took a yellow card but he’s almost unable to be rattled, and he certainly rattles the cages of opponents.
He was back to his best after a rare sub’s appearance versus Wolves last time out. If he can play this way down the stretch and Fulham reach Europe... could he stay in this part of London?
What’s next?
The international break is here, and Fulham go to Sheffield United at 11am ET Saturday, March 30. That’s the same time as Spurs’ home kickoff versus Luton Town.
How to watch Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 1:30pm ET Saturday, March 16, 2024
TV Channel: USA Network
Stream: Online via NBC.com
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur live updates — By Nick Mendola
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur final score: 3-0
Goals: Muniz (42', 60'), Lukic (49')
Fulham vs Tottenham player ratings (fotmob.com)
Fulham vs Tottenham player ratings (fotmob.com)
Fulham vs Tottenham player ratings (fotmob.com)
Muniz once more — Fulham 3-0 Tottenham (60th minute)
This one stings the scorer, as a corner is knocked down and Calvin Bassey hits a shot on Guglielmo Vicario.
The ball bounds free and Muniz reacts first to complete his brace while taking a boot to his lower leg. Ouch. The things we do for love.
Sasa Lukic doubles the lead — Fulham 2-0 Tottenham (49th minute)
Good players get good breaks, and that’s what’s happened off Timothy Castagne’s cross.
Alex Iwobi laid the ball off for Castagne on he right, and a zipped pass into the mix goes off Sasa Lukic’s thigh to beat Guglielmo Vicario.
A lot more to do for Spurs now.
Muniz does it again — Fulham 1-0 Tottenham (42nd minute)
What if we told you, genuinely, that a USMNT player is among the most under-appreciated stars in the Premier League?
Antonee Robinson’s cross is wonderful, and Rodrigo Muniz has the better of Radu Dragusin with a great first touch and cool finish.
1-0 Fulham!
James Maddison comes close
Destiny Udogie drives the left side and cuts a pass toward the top of the 18.
James Maddison has it but he’s being closed down and has to rush a low shot near post that just misses the frame.
Should be 1-0 to Spurs
Heung-min Son blazes a James Maddison would-be assist over the bar. We’ve seen him make a few of those.
That happened moments after Antonee Robinson’s cross nearly led to a Fulham penalty. It’s been fun.
Cottagers feeling it
Fulham’s been lively and have taken four shot attempts in the first quarter-hour or so.
It’s only accounted for 0.39 xG, but Spurs will know they have a fight on their hands in this London derby.
Guglielmo Vicario has been credited with an early save.
Fulham lineup
Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson, Palhinha, Lukic, Iwobi, Pereira, Willian, Muniz.
Tottenham Hotspur lineup
Vicario, Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie, Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son, Johnson.
Fulham focus, team news
Rodrigo Muniz and Armando Broja give Fulham the chance to thrive in attack while Raul Jimenez recovers from injury, and Muniz may well be the long-term answer to Fulham’s post-Aleksandar Mitrovic question. Fulham have a very good keeper in Bernd Leno and have functional players including USMNT left back Antonee Robinson all over the pitch. They may not wow you, but their best day gives them a chance against anyone.
QUESTIONABLE: Raul Jimenez (thigh)
Tottenham Hotspur focus, team news
Heung-min Son’s exceptional first season without Harry Kane has been a study in how to handle a promotion well. James Maddison has helped, but Son’s club legend status keeps growing stronger in North London.
OUT: Micky van de Ven (knee), Manor Solomon (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Fraser Forster (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Richarlison (knee)