Match Reports From Today's Game

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Fulham 4 Tottenham 0: Horror show for Harry as 10-man Spurs crash out of FA Cup at Craven Cottage


By Sportsmail Reporter

Last updated at 7:03 PM on 30th January 2011


Fulham cruised into the last 16 of the FA Cup with an impressive demolition of London rivals Tottenham at Craven Cottage.

The result of the match had been determined by half-time after Fulham had raced into a four-goal advantage by the break.

Danny Murphy scored from the spot 11 minutes in after Alan Hutton barged down Clint Dempsey in the box.

The Cottagers captain, who signed a new deal with the club on Friday, added a second penalty three minutes later after Michael Dawson was sent off for tugging back Moussa Dembele in the box.

Brede Hangeland stabbed home to make it 3-0 before Dembele rifled home a blistering strike just before half-time to seal the impressive win.


Happy days: Mousa Dembele celebrates with team-mates after scoring Fulham's fifth goal

The win will provide another morale boost for Mark Hughes' resurgent side but will raise serious questions about Tottenham's ability to challenge for honours, particularly given that Harry Redknapp fielded arguably his strongest team available.

Gareth Bale was out due to a back injury but Redknapp named an XI that included the likes of Rafael van der Vaart, Steven Pienaar and Heurelho Gomes, who returned in goal after a shoulder injury kept him out of last week's draw at Newcastle.

Fulham, who had lost twice to Spurs already this year, replaced Chris Baird with Carlos Salcido in the only change from the XI that lost to Liverpool in midweek.


Three and easy: Brede Hangeland scores Fulham's third goal at Craven Cottage

After a dull opening 10 minutes, the game sparked into life when Salcido robbed the careless Dawson 30 yards out before Hutton barged over Dempsey in the box as he raced towards goal.

Referee Phil Dowd blew for a penalty and Murphy fired the spot-kick to Gomes' right to put Fulham 1-0 up.

Dawson's match went from bad to worse two minutes later when he dithered on the ball just inside his own area.

Dembele pinched the ball off Dawson before the England centre-half tried to yank the striker back by his shirt.

Dowd dismissed the former Nottingham Forest man before Murphy beat Gomes, this time to the goalkeeper's left, from 12 yards.

Buoyed by their excellent start, Fulham looked for a third goal and it came after 23 minutes.

Andrew Johnson flicked on Damien Duff's corner and the ball found Hangeland at the back post. With Gomes stranded, the Norwegian made no mistake from three yards.


Doubling up: Danny Murphy scores his second goal from the penalty spot

Sensing Tottenham could crumble, Redknapp sent on William Gallas for Sandro but Spurs still looked weak at the back.

Luka Modric fizzed a shot wide from long distance and Van der Vaart went into the book after clattering into Murphy from behind just before the half-hour mark.

Fulham made their numerical advantage count by dominating play. Johnson raced at the Tottenham defence as the first half came to a close but his shot fell straight into Gomes' hands.

Dembele then rounded off an incredible first half for the hosts with a fourth goal when he strode past Sebastien Bassong and fired a sublime 20-yard strike past Gomes.

Redknapp brought on Peter Crouch for Defoe at the break as Spurs looked to get back into the game. Crouch's introduction had little effect though as Fulham started the second period the stronger of the two sides.

Johnson flicked a header just wide of Gomes' goal from a John Pantsil cross. At the other end David Stockdale had his first test of the half, saving a tame Sebastien Bassong header from Aaron Lennon's cross.


Spot on: Danny Murphy scores witbh an early penalty to give Fulham a 1-0 lead

Dempsey's 25-yard curling shot caused Gomes to pull off an impressive save low down to his right just after the hour mark. Dembele then skipped past two markers before Bassong blocked the striker's goal-bound effort from eight yards.

A fifth Fulham goal looked inevitable as they laid siege to the Spurs goal. Dempsey raced at the Tottenham back four and beat Gomes from 25 yards but his rising strike flew over the Tottenham goal.

Redknapp brought the ineffective Van der Vaart off, bringing on Jermaine Jenas, and Mark Hughes took Johnson off and introduced Zoltan Gera. Pienaar was lucky not to be booked when he hacked down Duff after 71 minutes.


Seeing red: Michael Dawson was sent off early on

Murphy received a standing ovation when he departed two minutes later to be replaced by Jonathan Greening. The home crowd taunted their north London rivals as they struggled to get hold of the ball.

The match's tempo had dropped to that of a practice match by the time Simon Davies replaced Dembele with 10 minutes left.

A rare move down the Tottenham right allowed Hutton to cross for Crouch but the England striker was muscled off the ball by Pantsil.

Fulham almost had a fifth in the 87th minute when Aaron Hughes' glanced header hit the bar from Duff's corner.

Gera had a golden chance a minute later but Gomes saved with his feet from the Hungarian's 12-yard shot and Fulham had to settle for four.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1351900/Fulham-4-Tottenham-0-Harry-horror-10-man-Spurs-crash-FA-Cup.html#ixzz1CY0JqGop

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/30/fulham-tottenham-hotspur-fa-cup


Fulham's variety act leaves 10-man Tottenham in disarray


Comments (20) Guardian report

FA Cup Fourth Round

Fulham 4 Murphy (pen) 11, Murphy (pen) 14, Hangeland 23, Dembele 45
Tottenham Hotspur 0 

Kevin McCarra at Craven Cottage guardian.co.uk, Sunday 30 January 2011 18.54 GMT


Danny Murphy scores Fulham's second goal from the penalty spot in the home side's 4-0 defeat of Spurs. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images

Fulham caused such havoc in this FA Cup tie that a startling result soon looked inevitable. The home supporters relished early mockery when they chanted: "You might as well go home." Visiting fans could have taken it as constructive advice. Their team were 4-0 down by half-time.

Blame could be pinned on Michael Dawson for getting himself sent off in the 16th minute, but the captain just had a severe case of the bewilderment that was everywhere in his team as he conceded a penalty.

Fulham built this grand victory with a pair of spot-kicks in the opening quarter-hour. Alan Hutton, the visitors' right-back, signalled the general lack of concentration as he needlessly brought down Clint Dempsey and Danny Murphy, in the 11th minute, and converted the first of the penalties. That might have been recoverable in theory, bland as their three-man attack had been, but there was no substance in midfield to check Mark Hughes's side for long.

The back four, for their part, were too woozy to limit the damage. The next penalty came as early as the 16th minute, following Dawson's witless decision to tug back Moussa Dembélé, who had run past him and into the area. After the red card for the defender, Murphy slotted home once again.

For the sake of variety, the third goal arose from a different sort of set-piece. After 23 minutes, Andy Johnson glanced on a Damien Duff corner and Brede Hangeland knocked the ball into the net.

Victory was as elementary as that goal. It looked effortless for Dembélé to go past Sébastien Bassong in first-half stoppage time, even if the potent shot that flew beyond Heurelho Gomes at his near post had remarkable power and accuracy. The Champions League representatives had not come to Craven Cottage with any notion that the varying merits of the goals they conceded would be a topic of conversation.

Tottenham did try to regain a little self-respect in a largely bland second half, but an Aaron Hughes header hit the bar in the 86th minute and Gomes had to reach a Zoltan Gera shot soon after.

Redknapp's men have to recover before Wednesday's Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers. Delirious Fulham minds can drift to a fifth-round FA Cup tie at home against Bolton Wanderers or Wigan Athletic.

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Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

Match facts

Read all the match stats here (including 10 shots on target to 1)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3125153

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6712239,00.html


Hughes - We deserved it


Fulham boss delighted with win


Last updated: 30th January 2011   


Hughes: Happy

Fulham boss Mark Hughes felt his side deserved everything they got after their emphatic 4-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham.

The Cottagers breezed into the last 16, after they comfortably wrapped up victory at Craven Cottage.

Two early penalties from Danny Murphy, were followed by strikes from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele.

And Hughes insisted that Fulham were well worth their win.

"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," said Hughes.

"We've played well on two occasions against Spurs and haven't had any reward.

"We were on the front foot and forced errors from their back four."

Hughes reserved a special mention for Murphy, who turned in a commanding display a day after signing a contract extension.

"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he added.

"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."

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http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6712078/Murphy-revels-in-satisfying-win


Murphy revels in 'satisfying' win

Sunday 30th January 2011 18:58

Fulham captain Danny Murphy admitted it was nice to get one over Tottenham after scoring two penalties in a 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win.

Spurs have held the Indian sign over Fulham in recent years, but Murphy's brace of spot-kicks, Michael Dawson's sending off for Tottenham, and further goals from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele made it an afternoon to remember for the Cottagers.

"I think we started brightly, on the front foot and of course the sending off helped, but it was thoroughly deserved and it was won by half-time," Murphy told ESPN. "We saw they didn't play a big man up front, so we pressed them to play longer balls and we caught them out. Because we got the goals, we could relax in the second half.

"It's satisfying because we haven't beaten Tottenham for a while."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was left to bemoan the lack of defensive numbers that are going to be available to him after Dawson's dismissal.

Dawson will now serve a three-match ban, joining injured trio Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Jonathan Woodgate on the sidelines.

"I haven't seen it but everyone thought it was a harsh decision," Redknapp said. "We could have done without the sending-off, that's for sure.

"We're getting short of numbers and, from having loads of centre-halves, we now have Kaboul having an operation, Dawson suspended and King and Woodgate out, so that leaves is with two, (William) Gallas and (Sebastian) Bassong.

"We have games Wednesday and the weekend and it becomes a different game with one spare defender.

"We got off to a disastrous start and it was game over after the two penalties. They were uncharacteristic errors from people.

"You don't see Michael making too many errors but he has had a nightmare start, giving the ball away, the penalty and then the sending-off.

"It has nothing to do with tactics when someone gives the ball away and we bring them down for a penalty, lose the ball and try to dribble out of trouble. It's nothing to do with tactics."

Fulham manager Mark Hughes was glad to see his side deliver a big win after a string of good performances without the end product.

"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," he said. "We've played well on two occasions against Spurs and haven't had any reward.

"We were on the front foot, forced errors from their back four."

Hughes also reserved praise for Murphy, whose performance backed up the signing of a new deal on Saturday.

"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he added.

"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."

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http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2011/01/fabulous_fulham.php

Fabulous Fulham

Posted by Phil Mison 2 hours, 37 minutes ago


It has been a long time coming. The Whites biggest ever win over Spurs sees Fulham breeze into the 5th round of the FA Cup on a day to remember at the Cottage

In just over a month we have gone from probably our darkest hour after defeat to bottom club West Ham, to playing like world beaters in a comprehensive thrashing of high-flying Spurs. Following Fulham always has put its fans through the mill, but here was a performance on a par with the Europa Cup exploits. Our first-ever FA Cup success over Tottenham was wrapped up by half-time, with the Whites four goals to the good. And with a late onslaught as Fulham suddenly slipped up a gear, it could easily have ended in a cricket score.

Although referee Phil Dowd proved a key figure in our blitzkreig start, three up after 23 minutes and Spurs down to 10 men, the groundwork was laid in the dressing room once the gaffer saw the team sheets. With 'Arry electing to go with Jermaine Defoe up front, and lacking an enforcer in midfield, Fulham were sent out to press high up the pitch and bully the Spurs midfield, a role for which Steve Sidwell, making his first start at Craven Cottage, is admirably suited.

The Spurs defence it's fair to say were all over the place, rushed and harried into mistake after mistake in a torrid first 45 for the pre-kick off favourites. Duff, Dembele, Dempsey and Johnson all made inroads into the back four as Fulham seized the initiative.

A howler from Dawson put Dempsey clear down the inside-left channel. I'm not sure the American had the composure or the angle to beat Gomes, but no matter. He drew the foul from the full-back and Dowd rightly pointed to the spot - although Gomes went the right way, Danny's loft and pace was enough to beat the keeper's dive. That was his first Fulham goal in 36 games.

Having broken his duck for the season, in no time our skipper was stroking home a second penalty to the opposite corner. This time Dawson tried to get clever as Gomes played a goalkick suicidally short, Dembele was on him like a swarm of bees, stole the ball away, and was then hauled back as he drove in on goal. Dawson resorted to a shirt tug, Spurs captain saw red, and of a sudden Fulham were two up.

The contest was over when wee Andy Johnson was allowed to glance on a header from Duff's corner and Brede at the back post couldn't miss. The Norwegian looked too embarrassed to celebrate, rampant Fulham were making it look that easy.

The icing on the cake came on the stroke of half-time when Man of the Match Moussa carried the ball from the centre circle with excellent control before dipping to the left and rifling a shot home from the edge of the box.

It was mostly keep ball from Fulham for the 2nd half, Stockdale a spectator throughout, but with fresh legs introduced in a late surge Gera and Duff squandered great openings, Hughes headed against the bar, and Hangeland saw his follow-up cleared off the line.

Big wins for the Whites don't come along too often, so let's enjoy the feeling for a few days before knuckling down to gaining three points off Newcastle on Wednesday. Mark's reaction from the bench and post-match was not that much different from all those reverses pre Christmas. Having seen it all before in his own illustrious career he knows perfectly well one sublime win does not a season make. But with a very winnable home tie to come in round 5, as he's always maintained, the second half of the season for Fulham is going to be a lot brighter than the first.

The signs of that were there for all to see today. One final observation. I was surprised to see Salcido starting in place of Baird. I was wondering if we might ever see the Mexican in the white shirt again. He was solid if unspectacular in keeping Lennon quiet and it was obvious Carlos had been instructed to curb his attacking instincts and kept it simple. He stuck to his brief admirably. This was in fact another game, like Stoke, where every man jack in the side played well.

Let me know how you saw it, particularly Sidwell's game. I thought he was excellent in harrassing Modric and co. Bring on the Magpies!

And to my Spurs posters, not only did we outsing you, we outplayed you! My Spurs supporting neighbour in the seat next to me actually left at half-time. Sums the day up.

COYW! Twitter @fulhamphil

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Tottenham Photo Special

Sunday 30th January 2011

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/TottenhamCupPhotoSpecial.aspx

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Fulham 4 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

The Whites started the match on the front foot and Clint Dempsey's header on five minutes from a well delivered Damien Duff corner almost handed Fulham an early lead. Dempsey did well to beat his marker but glanced his header just wide of Heurelho Gomes' right hand post.

The Whites were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Dempsey intercepted a loose pass from Michael Dawson and made straight for goal. Before the American attacker was able to get an effort away, he was barged to ground by Alan Hutton. Danny Murphy stepped up and calmly placed his spot kick past Gomes.

Fulham doubled their lead on 13 minutes and once again it came from the boot of Murphy from the penalty spot. Heurelho Gomes elected to play a short pass out to Dawson who proceeded to lose possession to Mousa Dembele.

Despite having his shirt pulled by Dawson, Dembele was able to get a shot on target, which was saved by Gomes. However, Mr Dowd had already pointed to the spot and issued Dawson with a straight red card. Murphy sent Gomes the wrong way to record his second goal of the game.

Certainly Gomes' choice of distribution was not making matters any easier for his side as he often decided to play the ball short, placing in team-mates in risky situations.

The goal and dismissal knocked Spurs out of their stride and Clint Dempsey could have made it three for Fulham after good work from Andrew Johnson, unfortunately his attempted finish spun just over the bar.

The Craven Cottage faithful didn't have long to wait for the third and it came from the trusty boot of Brede Hangeland on 23 minutes. Damien Duff's corner was helped on by the head of Andrew Johnson and into the path of Hangeland at the back post - the big central defender made no mistake from two yards out.

There was a nervy moment for Gomes on the half hour mark when a 25 yard shot from Johnson took an awkward bounce and ricocheted off the Spurs goalkeeper's chest. But the Brazilian was able to recover and collect the ball before the Whites could regain possession.

Despite being a man down Tottenham showed signs of threat in attack, and certainly with the individual talent on display in their line-up, the Whites needed to maintain their focus.

Mousa Dembele rounded off the scoring in the first-half with a wonderful individual effort. Collecting the ball on the halfway line the Belgian international had only one thing in mind. He rounded William Gallas before advancing to the edge of the penalty area, beating Sebastien Bassong and placing a fine low finish past Gomes. 

Harry Redknapp started the second-half with a substitution, replacing Jermain Defoe with Peter Crouch. His half-time words certainly appeared to have an effect as his side started the second-half in vibrant fashion.

But Spurs were unable to sustain that pace beyond the first ten minutes of the second-half as the game proceeded to take a more predictable flow – with Fulham controlling the majority of possession and not taking any unnecessary risks.

A John Pantsil interception on 58 minutes set Fulham up for fine counter-attacking move which culminated in Johnson and Dembele almost linking up for a shooting opportunity on the edge of the Spurs area.

Heurelho Gomes needed to be alert on 63 minutes when an extended spell of Fulham possession ended with Dempsey's run and shot forcing a full stretch save from the Spurs keeper.

With the height of Peter Crouch up front, Spurs' primary tactic was to play high balls to the England international and attempt to build play off his knock downs. But for the most part Crouch cut a solitary figure up front as most of his team-mates were committed to their defensive duties.

Fulham's first substitution of the encounter came on 68 minutes when Zoltan Gera replaced Andrew Johnson up front. Johnson went off to a hearty round of applause after putting in another good display.

Danny Murphy's participation ended on 74 minutes when he was replaced by Jonathan Greening. And Simon Davies came on for Mousa Dembele on 80 minutes – Davies took up his position on the left flank with Clint Dempsey joining Zoltan Gera up front.

Aaron Hughes struck the woodwork late on from a Duff corner as Fulham pushed for a fifth goal. Zoltan Gera was also denied by the foot of Gomes on 87 minutes when he found himself in space.

Fulham continued to dominate the possession stakes as the clocked ticked ever closer to full-time - securing a place in the Fifth Round. 



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/FACup/TottenhamHome.aspx#ixzz1CYgAoXWW

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FA Cup Draw


Sunday 30th January 2011



Following Fulham's victory over Tottenham at Craven Cottage, the Whites will face Bolton or Wigan at home in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON.

Draw in full:
Fulham or Tottenham v Bolton or Wigan
Man Utd v Crawley
Everton or Chelsea v Reading
Leyton Orient v Arsenal
Birmingham City v Sheff Wed
Stoke City v Brighton
Notts County or Man City v Aston Villa
West Ham v Burnley

Ties to be played on 19th and 20th February 2011. Confirmation of the fixture date, kick-off time and ticket details will follow.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/FACupFifthRoundDraw.aspx#ixzz1CYgNa6aS

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FA Cup Reward


Sunday 30th January 2011




Speaking after Sunday's impressive four-goal victory over Tottenham at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON, Mark Hughes gave his post-match reaction.

"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," said the Fulham Manager.

"We've played well on two occasions against Spurs and haven't had any reward. We were on the front foot, forced errors from their back four."

Hughes also praised Captain Danny Murphy, whose two goals set Fulham on their way to a place in the Fifth Round against either Wigan or Bolton.

"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he explained.

"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."

Danny Murphy added:

"I think we started brightly, on the front foot and of course the sending off helped, but it was thoroughly deserved and it was won by half-time.

"We saw they didn't play a big man up front, so we pressed them to play longer balls and we caught them out. Because we got the goals, we could relax in the second-half. It's satisfying because we haven't beaten Tottenham for a while."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesSpursFACupReaction.aspx#ixzz1CYgdoY6X

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Four Star Fulham

Sunday 30th January 2011




Fulham turned heads at Craven Cottage on Sunday with a performance new midfielder Steve Sidwell described as "sensational".

And he wasn't wrong as Mark Hughes' side made light work of in-form Tottenham who many had backed not just to progress into the Fifth Round but to go on and lift the trophy.

But in an action-packed first-half, the Whites cantered to a 4-0 lead courtesy of two Danny Murphy penalties, a goal from Brede Hangeland and a superb solo strike from Mousa Dembele.

Sidwell told fulhamfc.com: "I imagine it was a good game for the fans to watch, but at the same time it was a great game to be part of.

"Spurs are a very good side and we knew this was going to be a tough match. But we went out there in the right frame of mind and things worked out for us.

"We started very well, pressing them high up the pitch and forcing them into errors. There's no doubt the penalties helped, but it was nothing that we didn't deserve.

"Even after we were two goals to the good and they had Michael Dawson sent off we never took our foot off the gas - and as a result a lot of credit goes out to the boys.

"Perhaps we could have had a few more because we dominated the second-half as well. But let's not lose focus on what was a sensational performance"

David Stockdale remained relatively untroubled throughout and with the defence at its resilient best, Fulham impressed in controlling the tempo and creating chances. Both Aaron Hughes and Zoltan Gera went close late on.

"Throughout the team we looked assured and every individual stuck to the task," said Sidwell. "For me personally, I like to think I played my part and I have to say that I'm enjoying myself here already.

"Its early days, and I haven't played an awful lot of football this year but I'm getting there. It was certainly great to be part of the action today - and long may that continue."

The magic of the Cup was certainly there to be seen for the Fulham Faithful today who took particular joy in seeing their team defeat a side that had won the last three encounters and knocked them out of last season's competition.

"It's always a good game against Spurs whether it's in the league or cup and today was our day," he said. "I think the spirit of the FA Cup was very clear today and it was definitely one for the fans to savour.

"They go home happy and we can all look forward to the next round. We'll face the winners of the game between Bolton and Wigan and again it's another home tie for us.

"We're confident that could be another positive result for us, and we'll go away and prepare in due course with some important league games up next.

"But we're taking this competition very seriously and I think they'll be a few people sit up and take notice of this result."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/SidwellSpursReaction.aspx#ixzz1CYgwCR1R

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9381676.stm


Defensive dearth worries Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp   

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp bemoaned his lack of available defenders after Michael Dawson's sending off in the 4-0 FA Cup fourth round loss at Fulham.

Dawson will serve a three-match ban for the red card he earned in conceding a first-half penalty at Craven Cottage.

Injuries to Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Jonathan Woodgate means Spurs have only William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong available for upcoming games.

"We could have done without the sending-off," Redknapp told ESPN.

"We're getting short of numbers and, from having loads of centre-halves, we now have Kaboul having an operation, Dawson suspended and King and Woodgate out, so that leaves us with two.

"We have games on Wednesday and at the weekend and it becomes a different game with one spare defender."

I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs. We've played well on two occasions against them and haven't had any reward

Fulham manager Mark Hughes
Tottenham - who are fifth in the Premier League table - face a midweek trip to Blackburn, followed by a home game with Bolton and an away game at Sunderland on the 12 February.

Having seen a potential route to silverware permanently blocked via Sunday's heavy defeat at Fulham, Spurs will be even more determined to ensure they secure a second-successive Champions League qualification via a top-four league finish.

The north Londoners were uncharacteristically sloppy in the Cup tie at Craven Cottage, where two Danny Murphy penalties in the opening 15 minutes set the tone for the match.

The first was awarded for Alan Hutton's foul on Clint Dempsey and the second for Dawson's dragging back of Moussa Dembele when the striker had a clean shooting opportunity.

Redknapp suggested Dawson's dismissal was "harsh", but did not shy away from blaming his players for the mistakes that led to the goals.

606: DEBATE
WE NEED TWO CENTRE BACKS and a STRIKER! if this doesn't happen tomorrow then kiss 4th and Champions League (unless we happen to win it this year} GOODBYE!!

mexspur
"We got off to a disastrous start and it was game over after the two penalties. They were uncharacteristic errors from people," Redknapp reflected.

"You don't see Michael making too many errors but he has had a nightmare start, giving the ball away, the penalty and then the sending-off.

"It has nothing to do with tactics when someone gives the ball away and we bring them down for a penalty, lose the ball and try to dribble out of trouble."

Fulham killed the tie before half time courtesy of Brede Hangeland's close-range finish from a corner in the 23rd minute and Dembele's superb solo effort seconds before the break.

The second half was a mere formality, although it could have been worse for the visitors had Aaron Hughes' header not struck the bar and Jermaine Jenas clearing off the line from Hangeland as he pounced on the rebound.

"I think it's been coming, especially against Spurs," Fulham manager Mark Hughes commented. "We've played well on two occasions against them and haven't had any reward.


Murphy's goals were his first since March last year
"We were on the front foot, forced errors from their back four."

Hughes also reserved praise for Murphy, whose performance backed up the signing of a new deal on Saturday .

"Danny is a big influence on the pitch, a good captain and a good leader and we're pleased he's staying," he added.

"You saw with his performance today that he gets on the ball and makes us tick. It was important that we secured his future."

Murphy was understandably positive after helping his side to victory with two goals against his former club.

"I think we started brightly, on the front foot and of course the sending off helped, but it was thoroughly deserved and it was won by half-time," Murphy stated.

"We saw they didn't play a big man up front, so we pressed them to play longer balls and we caught them out. Because we got the goals, we could relax in the second half.

"It's satisfying because we haven't beaten Tottenham for a while."

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/mighty-fulham-4-0-spurs/


Mighty Fulham 4-0 Spurs

Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 8:46 pm

Is this the Tottenham Hotspur we never beat, the team intending to go deep into the Champions' League, and which contains some of the most irresistible attacking players in the country?   It must be.

This team could have lost 7-0 today.  Fulham had to make do with four.   Spurs made a gift of them all, but Fulham would point to tremendous pressure to force these mistakes, and faultless execution in taking advantage of them.

The first goal arose when Johnson harrassed Dawson;  Dawson turned out of trouble but could only pass the ball to Dempsey, who charged into the area and drew contact from Hutton.   Dawson had almost been on hand to cover, but Dembele slyly blocked him off.   Murphy took the ball and planted his kick into the top right corner, past Gomes who nearly reached it.   Wow, 1-0.

Then Dawson tried to turn away from Dembele, lost the ball and the man in one go, and snatched at Dembele's shirt.   Dembele was in the area and wriggled free to shoot (saved), but Phil Dowd realised that a foul had been committed and that a red card and penalty had to be awarded.     Two penalties in five minutes, game theory time!   Who would go where?  Murphy went left this time, Gomes didn't, easy.   2-0.

Then a third!  A Duff corner, AJ flicks on at the near post (!), Hangeland with the poacher's finish (!).   Whatever works.   What were Spurs doing?

The game was up, but the best was yet to come.   Dembele in the centre-circle, from a standing start, ran around Bassong (seriously, how often do you see that in professional football?) then galloped into space, nobody came to meet him so he slammed a low shot hard and fading away into Gomes' bottom corner.  A phenomenal strike, just phenomenal.    This is what the fuss is about, folks.   This man can play.

If the first half was the night of our lives, the second was a beautiful sunrise on the beach the next morning.    Fulham cruised it, passed and passed and passed, and Gera, Dempsey and Hughes all came close to adding more goals.     Never mind, 4-0 is quite enough, and a home tie against Wigan or Bolton will do nicely, thank you very much.