Tottenham vs. Fulham: Latest Analysis of the London Derby

Tottenham vs. Fulham, an Unpredictable London Derby

The English Premier League (EPL) matches between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC are always highly anticipated London derbies. Especially from the 2024-2025 season to the early part of the 2025-2026 season, the games between the two teams have created many stories along with unpredictable results. Despite Tottenham's past dominance, Fulham has recently shown an impressive performance against Tottenham, heightening the tension of the derby.

2024-2025 Season: Fulham's Counterattack

The 2024-2025 season will be remembered as the time when Fulham began to show strength against Tottenham. In the match held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 1, 2024, despite Brennan Johnson's opening goal, Fulham's Tom Cairney scored an equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Cairney was also sent off after scoring the equalizer in this game. In the 29th round away game held at Craven Cottage on March 16, 2025, Fulham surprised fans by defeating Tottenham 2-0. At that time, Tottenham's Son Heung-min came on as a substitute in the second half and fought hard, but failed to record any attacking points, leaving regret.

Ups and Downs of Key Players

In the 2024-2025 season matches, Tottenham's key players such as Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke either failed to perform to their full potential or struggled with injuries. On the other hand, Fulham's various players, including Tom Cairney, Ryan Sessegnon, and Rodrigo Muniz, scored goals, threatening Tottenham's goal. Especially Ryan Sessegnon, a former Tottenham player, made a deep impression by scoring a decisive goal against his former team.

Early 2025-2026 Season: Fulham Wins Again

On November 30, 2025, in the 13th round of the 2025-2026 EPL held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fulham caused an upset by defeating Tottenham 2-1. In this match, Fulham took an early lead with consecutive goals from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson, and Tottenham was defeated with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's fatal mistake, recording the lowest rating ever. With this defeat, Tottenham fell into a slump of two consecutive league defeats and a winless streak of four games (1 draw, 3 losses), and there are overlapping misfortunes, including the absence of key players due to injuries and the accumulation of warnings for Cristian Romero.

Tactical Analysis and Points to Watch

Fulham has been troubling Tottenham by effectively utilizing a solid defensive block, efficient counterattacks, and possession-based tactics in recent matches against Tottenham. In particular, flank attacks targeting the opposing fullbacks and aerial battles are considered one of Fulham's main tactics. Tottenham has shown defensive instability in home games, conceding goals in 11 of 12 league games, which could be an important weakness for Fulham to aim for goals through counterattacks.

The following are the points to watch in future matches:

• Tottenham's returning injured players: The return dates of key players such as James Maddison and Dominic Solanke and their impact on the team's performance.
• Fulham's 'Tottenham Killer' spirit: Whether Fulham, who has shown a strong performance against Tottenham recently, can continue this momentum.
• Son Heung-min's scoring touch: Whether Son Heung-min, the core of Tottenham's attack, can break through Fulham's defense and score goals.
• Tactical changes by both team managers: What new tactics managers Ange Postecoglou and Marco Silva will bring to target each other's weaknesses.

Conclusion: A New Phase of the London Derby

The London derby, which was once Tottenham's one-sided dominance, is now entering a new phase with Fulham's fierce challenge. The performance Fulham has shown in recent matches suggests a rise in power beyond a mere upset, and the upcoming matches are expected to be more unpredictable and exciting. Whether Tottenham can bounce back from its current slump, and whether Fulham can continue to show the face of a 'Tottenham killer,' the next match is already highly anticipated.

FAQ

• Q: What are the recent match results between Tottenham and Fulham?
  * A: In the 2024-2025 season, Fulham won 2-0 and drew 1-1. In the match on November 30, which was the early part of the 2025-2026 season, Fulham won again 2-1.
• Q: What is the cause of Tottenham's recent slump?
  * A: Injuries of key players (James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, etc.), the absence of key defenders (Cristian Romero), and defensive instability in home games are working in combination.
• Q: Is there a reason why Fulham is strong against Tottenham?
  * A: Fulham is showing an ability to neutralize Tottenham's attack and exploit its weaknesses through a solid defensive organization, efficient counterattacks, and possession-based tactics.
• Q: How did Son Heung-min perform in recent matches against Fulham?
  * A: In the March 2025 match, he came on as a substitute in the second half and fought hard, but did not score any attacking points. In the December 2024 match, he played the full time, but had no attacking points.

Related Links:
* Premier League Official Website: https://www.premierleague.com/

• Tottenham Hotspur Official Website: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/
• Fulham FC Official Website: https://www.fulhamfc.com/