Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel was involved in the action immediately, producing a fine save at his near post to prevent Steve Sidwell from opening the scoring. The Fulham midfielder’s header from Danny Murphy’s corner looked certain to find the back of the net, had it not been for the American goalkeeper’s intervention.

Somewhat against the run of play Tottenham took the lead on the 10 minute mark. Kyle Walker evaded the attentions of John Arne Riise and played a teasing ball to Aaron Lennon. It eventually fell into the path of Gareth Bale whose shot ricocheted off Chris Baird and into the back of the net. Such was the power of the strike, Baird could do little to prevent the own goal.

The goal did little to change the pattern of the game, with Fulham maintaining the upper hand in terms of possession and Spurs patiently waiting for their opportunity to attack. A fine one-touch pass from Steve Sidwell on 23 minutes handed Clint Dempsey a good shooting opportunity, unfortunately the attacker slightly scuffed his shot, resulting in an easy save for Friedel.

As the first-half progressed Spurs momentarily gained territorial advantage, the increased influence of Luka Modric was a key factor in the visitors’ change in fortunes. But Fulham redressed the balance, largely courtesy of the hard work of Mousa Dembele who made a number of key blocks to win the ball back for the Whites.

Aaron Lennon doubled Spurs’ lead in first-half added time when he was played in behind Zdenek Grygera and proceeded to advance at great pace towards the Whites’ goal. Lennon wrong-footed Chris Baird before hitting a low shot inside the far post.

Grygera’s involvement in the match ended shortly after. The defender twisted awkwardly, and was stretchered from the field of play. He was replaced by Stephen Kelly at half-time.

Fulham started the second-half with the bit between their teeth, forcing four corners in close succession that had the Spurs back line at sixes and sevens. Fulham got back to within touching distance on 57 minutes after another corner saw Ledley King head the ball against fellow centre defender, Younes Kaboul before crossing the goal line.

The goal rocked Spurs back on their heels as Fulham poured on the pressure. Tottenham’s defence stood up well to attacks through the central third of the field - but once the Whites started stretching the visitors’ back line, gaps started appearing.

Spurs successfully managed to slow the pace of the game down, buying themselves precious time to reorganise. A fearsome free kick from Chris Baird on 69 minutes saw Friedel get down quickly preventing the equaliser.

Martin Jol introduced Bryan Ruiz in place of Damien Duff on 70 minutes as the Whites searched for a way back on to level terms. Ruiz’ impressive range of passing was immediately clear to see as he played an inch-perfect pass through to Clint Dempsey, who rounded Friedel only to see his shot blocked by the covering Ledley King. 

Fulham continued to press Spurs but with time running out, the visitors managed to survive a manic goalmouth scramble before Jermain Defoe netted the clincher in the final seconds.

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