After being three one down at one stage during this match, even the most loyal Fulham supporter would have thought all was lost.
Tottenham took the lead through Younes Kaboul. A corner from the right at the Hammersmith end was swung in, Niemi came, Niemi flapped, Kaboul tapped the ball into the empty net. Not the comeback performance, Niemi was hoping for.
Fulham were nearly back on level terms when Paul Robinson, dropped a Hameur Bouazza cross, and Kaboul’s clearance rebounded off Steven Davis only for the ball to go over the bar.
Tottenham doubled their lead swiftly after, with Robbie Keane playing a beautiful, measured pass over the top to Dimitar Berbatov, who beat Stefanovic to the ball, before lashing past Niemi at his near post to complete an excellent move.
Spurs looked like they could split the Fulham defence open when and how they pleased.
However Fulham managed to get a goal back, several minutes before half time. A beautiful corner from Simon Davies, was met by Dempsey who climbed superbly and his header was just perfect, firing past Robinson before he had a chance to move.
Niemi didn’t improve on his earlier mistake when a volley from distance from Dimitar Berbatov, headed straight for Niemi but he tipped it over the bar.
He did make some amends however, saving well from Jermain Jenas.
Ex-boy, Steed Malbranque hit a post but Spurs got their deserved third goal when Robbie Keane fed Gareth Bale who caught Chris Baird out of position, raced through on goal and easily beat Niemi.
Robbie Keane was taken off by Jol, who might have thought Spurs had the game wrapped up, much to the very apparent dismay of the Tottenham captain.
Chris Baird made a spectacular and brilliant clearance off the line before Alexey Smertin got Fulham back into the game with fifteen minutes left.
Smertin’s shot ricocheted off of Ricardo Rocha over Paul Robinson and into the net.
Then the moment of pure inspiration from Diomansy Kamara. A ball, headed on from Clint Dempsey in the Tottenham box, dipped over the shoulder of Kamara who produced an astonishing bicycle kick which looped over Paul Robinson.
Vital man of the match: Clint Dempsey, absolutely brilliant, best Fulham have seem of him since his more from New England.
Vital Verdict: Tottenham deserved a win with the majority of possession and chances but if you don’t take your chances there is always hope for the opposing team. Fair dues to Fulham for battling to the end but let us not get too excited, there’s still alot of work to be done.
Vital Watch: Kamara took his goal with his apparent weaker, right foot.
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