3 things we learned from Tottenham’s dismal 2-1 loss against Fulham

Tottenham interim boss Igor Tudor remains winless as Fulham won 2-1 against Spurs.

Tottenham’s relegation fears continue lingering after a 2-1 defeat at Fulham extended their winless Premier League run to 10 matches. Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi put the Cottagers in control before Richarlison pulled one back in the second half. Spurs remain 16th, just four points above the relegation zone. Here’s what we learned from another miserable afternoon.

1. Xavi Simons is proving to be a worry and not living up to expectations

The £52m summer signing from RB Leipzig has flattered to deceive since arriving in north London. Simons was hauled off just before the hour mark at Craven Cottage after another anonymous performance. The rather continuous habit of releasing the ball late once again cost him today. The Dutchman has managed just 1 goal and 4 assists in 22 Premier League appearances this season, a return nowhere near good enough for a player of his price tag.

His inability to influence matches in crucial moments has left Spurs desperately short of creativity in the final third. With Tottenham fighting for survival, they need their marquee signing to step up. So far, Simons has been a massive disappointment.

2. Conor Gallagher’s signing has not worked so far

The £35m move from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window was supposed to add energy and quality to Spurs’ midfield. Instead, Gallagher has been a major letdown. At Craven Cottage, he was woeful across 58 minutes before being hauled off. He managed just 74 per cent passing accuracy, and wasn’t good enough in duals or transitions.

3. Brighton beating Nottingham Forest and Liverpool hammering West Ham kept Tottenham’s cushion intact

It was a dismal afternoon for Tottenham at Craven Cottage, but it could have been far worse. Brighton beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at home while Liverpool demolished West Ham 5-2 in a thrashing. Those results mean Spurs remain 16th in the table, four points above 18th-placed West Ham with Nottingham Forest sitting 17th, just two points above the Hammers. Had Forest won at Brighton and West Ham managed even a draw at Anfield, Tottenham would be looking over their shoulders even more nervously. Instead, they’ve been handed a lifeline. The gap to safety remains manageable, but Spurs can’t keep relying on others to do them favours.