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.
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 now are level on games played with Aston Villa as they bid to make up two 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 than 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.
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