Guglielmo Vicario was jeered by home supporters after a costly error that completed a disastrous opening six minutes for Tottenham, as Fulham raced into a 2-0 lead and held on for a 2-1 win despite a second half revival from Spurs.
Kenny Tete put Fulham ahead in the third minute when his effort took a deflection and ended in the net. Less than three minutes later Vicario left his line, ran roughly 25 yards from goal and miscontrolled possession, allowing Harry Wilson to finish into an empty net. It was the earliest Spurs had ever conceded two Premier League goals at home.
A large portion of the crowd repeatedly booed Vicario through the remainder of the first half, frustrated by a run of poor home form that has seen Tottenham win only three of their last 21 home league matches. Head coach Thomas Frank later described the live booing of a player during the game as unacceptable and urged better support for the squad.
At half-time captain Micky van de Ven rallied his team and they walked out together to face the supporters as one unit. Van de Ven also produced a crucial sliding challenge to deny Samuel Chukwueze after Vicario had been rounded, preventing a potential third Fulham goal.
Frank had picked a more attacking starting XI than in the Arsenal defeat, pairing Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in midfield, but Spurs were repeatedly opened up in the first 45. By the break Tottenham had an expected goals total of just 0.07 and no shots on target, while Fulham boss Marco Silva praised his players for a clinical and controlled opening spell.
Spurs improved after the interval and were given hope 14 minutes into the second half when Mohammed Kudus drove a powerful finish past Bernd Leno. Despite creating more chances after the break, Tottenham could not find an equaliser and Fulham held out.
Frank admitted the game was effectively lost in the opening six minutes and stressed the need for calm, discipline and sticking to the plan going forward. Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson said on television that while progress under Frank was expected and a top six finish still looked possible, home performances had been well below what the club requires.
Team news
– Frank made four changes from the North London derby and started Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray together in midfield.
– Samuel Chukwueze made his first Fulham start, coming into the side after the recent Sunderland victory.
Selected player ratings
Tottenham: Vicario 3, Porro 4, Van de Ven 7, Danso 5, Udogie 5, Bergvall 6, Gray 5, Palhinha 5, Kudus 6, Richarlison 5, Kolo Muani 5. Subs: Bentancur 6, Simons 5, Odobert 6, Sarr 6.
Fulham: Leno 6, Tete 8, Andersen 7, Bassey 6, Sessegnon 7, Berge 7, Iwobi 6, Chukwueze 7, King 8, Wilson 7, Jimenez 7. Subs: Lukic 6, Smith Rowe 6. Player of the Match: Kenny Tete.
Key context and statistics
– This was Tottenham’s 10th home Premier League defeat of 2025, matching the club record for most home losses in a calendar year.
– Spurs have collected just 14 home points across the last 12 months, the lowest tally of any ever present Premier League club.
– Fulham’s two-goal lead inside six minutes was the earliest Tottenham have conceded two home Premier League goals.
– Tottenham have now lost four consecutive home London derbies in the Premier League for the first time.
Post-match reactions
Frank said the match was lost in the opening six minutes and that although Spurs improved after the break they could not recover. Silva praised his players for a strong first half, highlighting clinical finishing and well-executed fast attacks.
What happens next
– Tottenham fixtures to follow in the Premier League schedule.
– Fulham will move on to their next Premier League assignments.
– Fans and pundits will turn attention to upcoming league fixtures as both sides regroup.