Alex Iwobi scored the decisive goal as Fulham F.C. secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in a thrilling London derby at Craven Cottage.
It was Iwobi’s second consecutive Premier League goal, marking the first time he has scored in back to back league matches since April 2016 during his time at Arsenal F.C..
Fulham made a bright start and went ahead in the seventh minute through Harry Wilson. The Welsh winger reacted quickly to a deflected cut back from the left and fired an instinctive volley into the net to give the hosts an early advantage.
In the 34th minute, Fulham doubled their lead with a flowing attacking move. Iwobi collected the ball outside the box and unleashed a superb 25 yard strike that flew into the far corner off the post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Tottenham threatened before halftime but Fulham’s defence stood firm. Calvin Bassey produced a crucial block to deny Randal Kolo Muani and then reacted quickly to clear Joao Palhinha’s follow up effort. Bassey also had a chance in added time but volleyed over the bar from close range after a recycled corner.
In the second half, Fulham continued to press. In the 63rd minute, Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made a fine save to stop Emile Smith Rowe after he was set through by Iwobi. Tottenham pulled a goal back three minutes later when Richarlison headed home from close range after a cross from Archie Gray.
Fulham nearly extended their lead again in the 78th minute following a swift move from defence to attack. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze beat several challenges before setting up Iwobi, but the midfielder’s first time effort went wide.
Fulham are on a roll against Spurs, winning four of their past five Premier League matches, and they have now recorded a top-flight double over Tottenham for only the second time in history (last achieved in 2003-04). Craven Cottage used to be a tough spot for Spurs, who had seven consecutive wins between 2010 and 2023, but they’ve lost their last two visits without scoring, with today’s game being a third defeat in a row in which they managed to score. With today’s defeat, Tottenham have now created an unwanted record – they’ve not won in 10 top-flight games, matching a record set in 1994 under Head Coach Ossie Ardiles.
Alex Iwobi was substituted in the 90th minute for Jorge Cuenca after delivering a dominant midfield display. He completed 47 of 55 passes, created one clear chance, had two shots, recorded 73 touches, completed all his dribbles, won all his ground and aerial duels and made six recoveries.
The result continues Fulham’s strong recent record against Tottenham. The win lifts Fulham to ninth place on 40 points, while Spurs remain 16th on 29 points, just four points above the relegation zone.
