Fulham

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League between Tottenham and Fulham

Here are some of your comments:

Spurs fans

Phil: Despite the injuries, it is becoming clear that the bulk of our players are not above mid-table mediocrity. The manager - who I really like - is beginning to look out of his depth and if the next three games don't go Spurs' way, I can see Frank being sacked before Christmas.

Ashleigh: Crazy from Vicario. He should kick the ball into touch. He also doesn't kick long upfield when time is running out and we needed a different and more direct approach. Porro was abysmal and Udogie not much better. Another defeat now and we will be down in the relegation zone again. Frank needs to face up to a series of unacceptable and very poor performances.

Mark: It is not just the keeper's mistake, it is the lack of confidence and composure through the whole team. You look at running off the ball, throw-ins where players don't seem to make themselves available, very little creative play. If we don't have the players to play out of the back, then don't do it.

Edward: Another loss at home. There is no doubt Thomas Frank will now be feeling the heat and pressure. There will be supporters asking for his head on a plate. I'm not one of them, if anybody is going to sort out our lack of confidence at the moment, then it's Thomas Frank.

Fulham fans

Jim: Brilliant team display by Fulham in the first half, though a third goal would have calmed the nerves. Second half we held on well.

Neville: I won't mean anything if we don't beat Crystal Palace at home next week!

Will: After about half an hour we were hanging on for dear life, so it is a good thing we made the most of the first 10 minutes. Great finishing on display and a very important first away win.

Terry: Despite the early lead, I felt we were under the cosh from midway through the first half. That said, we allowed Spurs to have the ball and dealt with their attacks comfortably in the main. Job done!

Fulham boss Marco Silva speaking to Sky Sports about Samuel Chukwueze's performance: "He was definitely knocking on the door before the game. He is a very good player, we all know that. Unfortunately with some injuries, three international breaks away from us and all that stuff, it probably didn't give us time to get to know each other better.

"We have worked together for short spells but he has always shown a very good level. It's just a matter of him being in his best physical condition to start games. He started because he deserved it and it was another great performance from him. Let's hope he can continue in this way and to be more resilient over 90 minutes. He is going to be a very important player for us, like he is right now."

On Harry Wilson's goal: "It's a very difficult finish. It doesn't surprise us because we know what quality he has. Sometimes he scores the most difficult goals and sometimes he misses the others. He always has good numbers in terms of goals and assists. What a goal from him, with the composure."

On how they intend on maintaining their form: "The next step is about Manchester City. Everything is about Tuesday now. We are going to play at home, where we have been very strong. We want to make that place our fortress. I told the players to celebrate for now but to also think about Tuesday. We are looking forward to that game to be more consistent and express ourselves on the pitch."

Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, speaking to Sky Sports, on his first Premier League start: "I wasn't expecting it today. But I was focusing on doing the hard work. Last months have been a bit difficult but I kept my head down and kept working. And I took the opportunity today.

On support from team-mates: "They push me really hard in training and keep me motivated. We are so proud of the result today. We worked for it in the training pitch. The players gave everything on the field. We had to defend with all our life. This win is very, very important."

Did you know?

• Fulham picked up just their second away win against Tottenham in the Premier League within the last two decades, with this their first since a 1-0 victory in March 2013 under Martin Jol.

• Fulham taking a 2-0 lead in the sixth minute marked the earliest that Tottenham have ever conceded two goals in a Premier League home match.

Pundits Danny Murphy and Joe Hart join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 3-2 Leeds

• Sunderland 3-2 Bournemouth

• Everton 1-4 Newcastle

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The Cottagers were fantastic for about 20 minutes against Spurs – and that proved to be enough to get the job done in the 2-1 win.

They had only picked up one point on the road this season, their last away win in the league also coming against Frank – his Brentford side in May. The last time they won at Tottenham was 12 years ago at the old White Hart Lane.

Samuel Chukwueze was making his first start for the club since joining in the summer on loan from AC Milan and Spurs struggled to deal with him.

The 26-year-old Nigerian set up the early goal for Kenny Tete, struck the post and almost had another good scoring chance after rounding the goalkeeper.

Fulham showed good composure to take advantage of Vicario's poor pass. Raul Jimenez put the keeper under pressure, forcing that horrible clearance to Harry Wilson.

But they did not rush and the winger played a one-two with Josh King before swinging a goal in from 36.6m.

That was the second longest-range Premier League goal of the season – with both scored on the same day – following Tyler Adams' 43.3m goal for Bournemouth.

Fulham did not have a single shot between the 13th and 73rd minute - but Kevin almost added a late third.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Fulham’s display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Tottenham make four changes from the side that lost 5-3 to Paris St-Germain in the Champions League.

Kevin Danso, Joao Palhinha, Destiny Udogie and Mohammed Kudus replace Djed Spence, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Cristian Romero - who is suspended today.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Vicario, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Porro, Palhinha, Gray, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Simons, Tel, Johnson, Spence, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Davies.

Just one Fulham change from the side who beat Sunderland 1-0 with Samuel Chukwueze replacing Kevin. Sasa Lukic is back on the bench after a ban.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Bassey, Andersen, Sessegnon, Berge, Iwobi, King, Chukwueze, Wilson, Jimenez.

Subs: Lecomte, Cairney, Traore, Cuenca, Kusi-Asare, Lukic, Castagne, Kevin, Smith Rowe.

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brentford v Burnley

• Manchester City v Leeds United - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Sunderland v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Everton v Newcastle (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Tottenham v Fulham (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Newcastle", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

As Thomas Frank is finding out, Tottenham are just an odd club. Some Spurs fans are questioning whether he has the credentials to manage them, which I don't understand. All he needs is time.

Mark Chapman reeled off a stat on the Monday Night Club that Tottenham are a big-six club because they are fifth in the table for total points gained in the Premier League era.

Come on, Chappers. We are better than that. Have Spurs ever won the Premier League? No. Is there a 'total points' trophy? Also a no.

Spurs are a big club, but that's from their distant history, not from what they have done since 1992. They are well-supported and have got a fantastic stadium, but you don't win trophies for those things either.

They need to get things right on the pitch but when they have brought in a manager who did win something with them, Ange Postecoglou, they have sacked him.

I am sure Spurs will improve, if Frank is given a chance. They played well in defeat against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday and that makes me think they might have too much for Fulham.

Marco Silva's side really needed their win over Sunderland to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap, and they are still not out of trouble.

Fulham's away record is pretty awful but then so is Tottenham's home form, so the obvious thing to go for here is a draw.

It's only taken me four seasons of doing these predictions, but I am finally applying some logic.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tottenham will be aiming to bounce back from two defeats in a week on Saturday (20:00 GMT) when they entertain a Fulham side who have won two of their last three Premier League games.

Home form a concern for Spurs

Tottenham may have shipped five goals in their midweek loss against Paris St-Germain, but their performance against the defending European champions did at least restore some pride after their damaging defeat against Arsenal.

They showed the fight and attacking endeavour in Paris that was so badly missing in the 4-1 thrashing at the Emirates, as the negative tactics of manager Thomas Frank were heavily criticised.

Frank was lauded at the start of the season for sorting out Spurs' defensive woes, but they have conceded nine goals in their last two games, while the seven they have let in during their three top-flight fixtures in November is as many as they did in nine games across August, September and October.

Having lost ground in the league after only one win in five, Spurs now face a pivotal week with Newcastle away and his former side Brentford at home to come after their clash with Fulham.

However, their home form has been an issue for a long time now and they have managed just three league wins in a year, with their only victory in front of their own supporters under Frank coming on the opening weekend of the season against Burnley.

Fulham struggling away

Fortunately for Tottenham, they face a Fulham side who sit joint bottom of the away form table having lost five in a row on the road. They have just a solitary draw to show from their travels this season, having accrued 93% of their points at Craven Cottage.

However, after years of dominance over the west Londoners, Spurs have struggled of late against Fulham. After a run of eight wins in nine league games against the Cottagers, Tottenham are without a victory in any of the last three, with Fulham's two wins in those games as many as they had managed in their previous 23 encounters.

After losing five of their last six league games, Marco Silva's side picked up a crucial win over in-form Sunderland last weekend to move three points clear of the bottom three.

The Cottagers had 24 shots in that match, but scored only once, highlighting an issue that has held them back this season. Only Leeds and Wolves have scored fewer than Fulham's 13 goals in 12 top-flight matches this season.

However, a superb cameo off the bench from on-loan winger Sam Chukwueze in that game culminated in a brilliant assist to firmly put his case forward for a first Premier League start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no fresh injury concerns after last weekend's victory against Sunderland with Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson still ruled out with their thigh and knee injuries respectively.

• There is no time-scale for Robinson but the full-back is "getting better" and is doing "individual work on the pitch". Silva clarified he won't be rushed in order to avoid any setbacks when he does eventually return.

• Fulham are yet to win away from home in the league this season with Silva admitting their standards in the 2-0 defeat at Everton before the international break were "nowhere near where they should be" but that the reaction from his players has been good.

• Meanwhile, Spurs have only secured five points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season and Silva said that makes them similar "in the opposite way".

• He said: "In the Premier League, they've been very strong away from home so far but at home not the best results. In the opposite way but similar with us, they want to correct things at home and go in the right direction."

• Silva continued: "Massive respect to them and their quality but we look for ourselves and we want to get a result away from home. They are going to do the same with an amazing fanbase as well, in a great place to play football so let's go for it and match them and see who's going to be a better side on the pitch."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Drew Heatley
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

There is the myth that the daddy-long-legs has the deadliest venom on earth but no fangs to administer it.

Stay with me here. Though that legend has long been debunked, it feels pertinent to Fulham at the moment.

We had no fewer than 24 shots on Saturday in our win over Sunderland, but just six were on target and none really troubled the Black Cats' 'keeper – except when Raul Jimenez bundled home with five minutes to go.

It feels churlish to criticise after such an important win against a side that went into the weekend fourth in the Premier League, but one swallow does not make a summer – and one Premier League win should not paper over the cracks.

Our striking situation has been well documented. Marco Silva believes Jimenez is our only viable option up top for the time being, but watching the Mexican on Saturday was uncomfortable at times. After an international break during which he played two friendlies, Raul was tired – and it showed.

But he still put in a shift and his goalscoring instincts shone through as he was in the right place at the right time to get on the end of Samuel Chukwueze's incisive ball and help us to all three points.

The Nigerian winger's 30-minute cameo was perhaps Saturday's biggest positive. He hustled and harried, gave Sunderland plenty to think about and raised the energy levels on the pitch and in the stands.

It was similar to Kevin's scintillating debut against Leeds – but unlike our Brazilian record signing, who looked uncertain on the weekend – Chukwueze must follow up on this performance immediately if he wants a starting berth.

If he can, starting against Spurs next weekend, then he could prove to be the fangs we so desperately need.

Find more from Drew Heatley at Fulhamish, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Sunderland.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Richard: Fulham will continue to struggle to score goals unless they strengthen their squad and buy another striker.

Will: Very important win. Should have scored many more as we tormented their backline, but the finishing was very poor. However, the pressure eventually paid off and our excellent home record continues.

Jeff: Not out of the woods and Marco Silva still needs to do more to earn his contract extension. I feel a parting of the ways suits both parties in the summer.

James: Fantastic performance! We deserved to score all game and thank goodness Jimenez got the winner. Hopefully, we can bring that form to Tottenham.

Sunderland fans

Dean: Sunderland looked tired and lacked a cutting edge in front of goal. Sadly lacked the passion of previous games.

Frank: Sunderland were second best, with Fulham looked fitter and stronger. That being said, the referee and his team gave nothing to Sunderland in any 50-50 situation, stopping an attack when a Fulham striker feigned a head injury to stop the momentum of a Sunderland break. One of the assistant referees was apparently showboating to the fans. You couldn't make it up.

David: For the first time this season, we looked like a newly promoted team. Very poor.

John: Thought we looked tired, but as usual, never gave up. Fulham were good value for their win. Hopefully, we will be able to recharge the batteries for next week's home game.

Michael Williams
Final Score reporter at Craven Cottage

Image source, Getty Images

The introduction of Emile Smith Rowe and Samuel Chukwueze midway through the second half helped swing this match decisively in Fulham's favour.

Replacing Josh King, Smith Rowe posed an immediate threat in front of goal, while on-loan winger Chukwueze provided a pinpoint cross for the only goal of the game late on.

The 26-year-old's deep ball from the left fell perfectly for the lunging Raul Jimenez, who managed to get the wrong side of Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and use his outstretched foot to poke it past Robin Roefs and into the back of the net.

It was a deserved three points for Fulham, who had failed to take a string of earlier chances in the game, Harry Wilson spurning several opportunities to open the scoring.

All of Chukwueze's five Premier League appearances for Fulham have come from the bench. After another impressive cameo, there will surely be a clamour for Marco Silva to play the AC Milan man from the start in Fulham's next match away at Tottenham on Saturday.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Rob Green join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Newcastle 2-1 Manchester City

• Liverpool 0-3 Nottingham Forest

• Fulham 1-0 Sunderland

Fulham boss Marco Silva to Match of the Day: Tough as we expected. Doesn't matter who you play; it's always like that. We played a solid team and it was tough because we did not score. We create clear, clear chances in the first half. Second half not as many, but one or two good ones. I don't remember one chance from them. We controlled them very well. We won the game because we deserved it. We did not lose our concentration. It was a good performance.

On Samuel Chukwueze's performance from the bench: "Massive impact. On the right and the left. We try to play him on the left sometimes. He had a massive impact. We are seeing small spells for him. We are going to need him to have this type of impact, if possible, from the start of the match. He makes good decisions, and he is creative."

On getting results away from home: "It's crucial for us. It's about consistency. Home form has been really good. Third clean sheet at home, and we must try to replicate that on the road. It's something new for us this season. Last three seasons, we have been similar home and away. Let's hope soon we can have good results away from home."

Midfielder Alex Iwobi to Sky Sports: "Our home form has been really good. They're a tough side and they've been doing really well but we have belief that we can perform against anyone."

On the missed chances: "We created so many chances today. It was almost one of those where you wonder if it will ever go on. Credit to the lads, we kept on believing and thank god one of them went in."

On Fulham's form: "We don't fear anyone in the league. We give our respect to Sunderland. But now it's all about consistency for us to go and get the results we need."

On tactics: "In the week we were working on different ways to break down Sunderland. It was working, but we couldn't put the goal in the net. As long as we can keep clean sheets, then we'll always create chances to score."

Did you know?

• Fulham have won four of their last five Premier League home games (L1), as many victories as in their previous 15 such matches beforehand (D5 L6).

• Fulham had 24 shots against Sunderland, their most in a Premier League game this season (having been averaging 11 per game before today), while it's their most in a match that they scored one or fewer goals in the competition since January 2024 against Everton (25 shots, 0-0).

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

If Fulham could find a way to more easily put the ball in the net, they would have no relegation concerns whatsoever.

On this basis, creating chances is not the problem. Fulham had 24 shots against Sunderland, their most in a Premier League game this season.

Having been averaging 11 per game before today, it was a real step up for Marco Silva's side. Harry Wilson was excellent, while Samuel Chukwueze elevated their attack after replacing the ineffectual Kevin.

But they never truly worked Robin Roefs with anything the Sunderland keeper would not expect to save, before Raul Jimenez became the hero.

Jimenez scored his first Premier League home goal of the season – 11 of his last 14 league goals have put Fulham ahead in matches.

With Rodrigo Muniz injured, Fulham may look for a new forward in January. It would certainly give them greater comfort and ease any pressure on Silva.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

• Have your say on Fulham's performance

• What did you make of Sunderland's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Marco Silva makes just one change to the Fulham side beaten 2-0 at Everton before the international break, with teenager Josh King replacing the suspended Sasa Lukic in midfield.

Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Berge, King; Wilson, Iwobi, Kevin; Jimenez

Subs: Lecomte, Reed, Cairney, Traore, Cuenca, Kusi-Asare, Chukwueze, Castagne, Smith Rowe

Sunderland are unchanged from the side which earned a late 2-2 draw against Arsenal, with manager Regis Le Bris sticking to a 5-4-1 formation.

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Geertruida, Reinildo; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Isidor

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, O'Nien, Alderete, Adingra, Masuaku

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Burnley v Chelsea (12:30)

• Bournemouth v West Ham

• Brighton v Brentford

• Fulham v Sunderland - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Crystal Palace

• Newcastle v Manchester City (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Man City", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

This is a huge game for Fulham, who have lost five of their past six matches.

They have got lots of quality in their squad but it still feels like they could be sucked into a relegation battle.

As for Sunderland, well they are the surprise package of the Premier League season so far.

Their performance in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last time out was superb. We've not seen anyone else rough up the Gunners like that this season, and Sunderland were more than a match for them.

The sensible thing to do would be to back the Black Cats here, because they are clearly capable of roughing Fulham up too and, the last time they were in west London, they beat Chelsea at the end of October.

But I am not going to do that. Instead, I really need to carry on going against Sunderland with my predictions. I am taking a lot of credit for their good results because they clearly love to prove me wrong.

Looking at Fulham's home record, the only team they have lost to is Arsenal. Marco Silva's side will be absolutely desperate for a positive result, so I am going to say they will pick up three much-needed points.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here