Tottenham’s Struggles Deepen as Igor Tudor Accuses Fulham of ‘Cheating’ in Derby Defeat

Tottenham Hotspur interim head coach Igor Tudor criticised both his players and Fulham’s conduct after Spurs’ dismal run continued with another Premier League defeat in a heated London derby.

Tottenham were beaten for the second time under Tudor, who reverted to a back four but saw his side fall behind inside seven minutes. Fulham FC took the lead through Harry Wilson, although Spurs were incensed that a challenge by Raúl Jiménez on Radu Drăgușin in the build-up went unpunished.

The incident drew particular frustration given Tottenham had a goal disallowed against Arsenal FC the previous weekend for a similar push by Randal Kolo Muani on Gabriel Magalhães.

“Of course it’s a foul,” Tudor insisted. “Nine out of 10 people will say it’s a foul because it’s so obvious.

“Sometimes the criteria are not consistent. Last week what happened in our game against Arsenal — same thing.

“He was not thinking about the ball, he was thinking how to cheat. He cheated the player with a push and they scored. So it’s cheating and it’s a foul.”

Fulham Capitalise as Spurs Falter

Fulham doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi rifled home from distance, compounding Tottenham’s early difficulties.

Although substitute Richarlison reduced the deficit after the interval, Spurs’ winless league run has now stretched to a record-equalling 10 Premier League matches.

Despite West Ham United’s defeat at Liverpool keeping them four points adrift in 16th place, Tottenham remain in a precarious position in the lower reaches of the table.

Reflecting on the situation, Tudor acknowledged deeper structural issues within his side.

“The problems are much bigger,” he said. “It’s a complicated situation — a lot of problems. I cannot tell you anything new.

“We need to find the voice inside each of us. I said to the players: it’s always what you are going to do, what you want to do with yourself.

“More personality, more desire before reacting — many things.

“We lack quality in attack to score goals, we lack running power in midfield and we lack resilience at the back to suffer and not concede. It is a difficult situation.”

Substitutes Offer Glimmer of Resistance

For much of the contest Spurs were second-best until Tudor introduced Pape Sarr, Mathys Tel and Richarlison in an attempt to inject urgency and intensity.

Asked whether he wanted to see greater fight from his squad, Tudor replied: “I want to see everything more.

“Of course the substitutes give something — Pedro [Porro] also, when Kevin [Danso] comes inside, personality and quality. It changes things.

“This is the key — to have players who can give that to the team. Too many players need help from each other.”

Silva Stands Firm

Fulham head coach Marco Silva declined to engage in debate over the contentious opener but maintained his side merited the victory.

“I will not make any comments on it,” Silva said. “It is their opinion and I respect it.

“The three points were deserved. The scoreline could have been different with the number of chances we created.

“It was a great performance from us.”

Tottenham must now regroup swiftly as pressure mounts on Tudor, with the north London club seeking to arrest a slide that threatens to deepen further in the closing weeks of the season.