Ange Postecoglou credits 'outstanding' unlikely duo despite Spurs' dreadful Fulham performance

12/02/2024 06:00 AM

Tottenham's clash with London rivals Fulham was a massive disappointment, but Ange Postecoglou has still managed to find some positives. 

Spurs took the lead in the 54th minute through Brennan Johnson but could only hold onto it for 13 minutes before Tom Cairney equalised.

Even an 83rd-minute red card for Cairney couldn't inspire Tottenham to a win, meaning last week's stunning 4-0 victory away at Man City is their only success in five games across all competitions.

Ange Postecoglou credits Dragusin & Davies' defensive effort

In truth, Spurs wouldn't have deserved the win even if they'd managed it.

The Lilywhites attempted just eight shots to the tune of 0.78 xG, compared to 14 shots and 1.58 xG from Fulham, who were much the better team.

In fact, it took a strong rearguard effort for Spurs to even preserve a point.

Stand-in goalkeeper Fraser Forster made five saves while in front of him, make-shift centre-back duo Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies put in solid performances.

Dragusin clocked up five clearances, eight recoveries, three tackles and one interception, while he also won five of his seven aerial duels.

Davies, meanwhile, won three of eight aerial duels, as well as making seven clearances, three blocks, four interceptions and four recoveries.

Without the duo — who are covering for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven — Fulham might well have left North London with all three points.

"Fulham ask you a lot of questions. They've got some pretty aggressive full-backs and wide players and I think they're number one in the league for crosses in the box. We had to deal with that today," Postecoglou told reporters after the match (via Football.London).

"Benny and Radu have been outstanding throughout this spell, I mean there aren't too many teams in the league who have both their centre-backs out. I've seen so much violin playing over one centre-back out, but we're just supposed to get on with it.

"And the beauty of it is these boys are, and I love that. I love the character they're showing. I love the fact that they're not seeking excuses or wanting me to make sort of allowances for it. But at some point, I need to also acknowledge the massive effort that all these guys are putting in. Radu and Ben were outstanding again today."

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