Tottenham player ratings vs Fulham: Micky van de Ven struggles to lead; Mathys Tel deserves to start

Tottenham’s winless start to life under Igor Tudor continued as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson fired Fulham into an early lead before Alex Iwobi doubled the hosts’ lead just past the half-hour mark with a superb side-footed effort from the edge of the box.

Richarlison came off the bench to pull a goal back for Spurs as he headed home at the back post from Archie Gray’s cross, but Fulham held on to take all three points.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at Craven Cottage...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Nothing he could do for either goal, but did not inspire confidence for a new look defence with his distribution or handling. Saved well from Smith Rowe in the second-half.

Pedro Porro 7

Supported Spurs’ frontline well when he could, and was at times the only player offering any source of creativity in the first half. One of the few Spurs players who can be happy with their performance.

Micky van de Ven 5

Tudor needed Van de Ven to step up and lead from the back, but Fulham seized the early advantage. Spurs’ stand-in captain never looked settled as he rushed into a number of mis-timed challenges, and he was booked for a rash challenge on Jimenez in the second-half.

Radu Dragusin 5

He had to be stronger up against Jimenez as Wilson fired Fulham ahead early on. Never looked in control, and he consistently struggled to make the right decision when asked to push up or drop off.

Archie Gray 6

Starting at left-back, he was heavily targeted by Fulham’s frontline and struggled as the hosts cruised into a two-goal lead. Improved after the break and crossed for Richarlison to head home after making a darting overlapping run.

Joao Palhinha 6

Endured a difficult afternoon on his return to Craven Cottage. The Portuguese midfielder was left chasing shadows as Fulham dominated in transition. As always, he got through plenty of defensive work, but again this was more a reaction to Fulham’s dominance rather than a reflection of his ability to take charge of the midfield battle.

Conor Gallagher 5

Gallagher felt like someone who would really benefit from the aggressive, high-intensity style Tudor wants to play, but it has been a difficult first couple of games for the English midfielder. Fulham had the measure of the midfield battle in the first-half and Tudor moved quickly to try and change the momentum by bringing Pape Matar Sarr on for Gallagher.

Yves Bissouma 6

Struggled to replicate the intensity that he showed off the ball against Arsenal, as Fulham cut through Spurs’ midfield with ease in the first-half. Replaced late on as Spurs chased an equaliser.

Xavi Simons 5

Could not get into the game as Spurs struggled to build any meaningful pressure in the final third and was taken off as part of an early triple change in the second-half. He did not take a single touch in the opposition box.

Randal Kolo Muani 6

A willing runner in the channels, but was marshalled well by Fulham’s defence, who were quick to shut down any shooting opportunities for the Frenchman. He was replaced early in the second half by Richarlison.

Dominic Solanke 5

Let Iwobi run off the back of him to score Fulham’s second. His decision-making in the final third lacked confidence, and his touch let him down on a few occasions.

Mathys Tel 7

Made a real difference off the bench, as he looked to get on the ball and drive at Fulham’s defence. Heavily involved in Richarlison’s goal and was a threat throughout as Spurs tried to salvage a draw.

Richarlison 7

Got Spurs back into the game with a cushioned header at the back-post. Always makes an impact as a substitute. Looked visibly upset at full-time, having done all he could to try and get Spurs back level.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Brought on to provide some energy in midfield, but could not turn the tide for Spurs as they fell to their 13th defeat of the season.

Souza N/A

Took just five touches, having been brought on to add some attacking impetus late on.

Kevin Danso N/A

Came on late on with Spurs looking for an equaliser. The fact that Tudor felt he had to bring on the Austrian centre-back as his side chased a goal says a lot about where Spurs’ squad are at right now.

Unused subs: Kinsky, Austin, Rowswell, Olusesi