Tottenham’s dismal start to 2026 continued as they slumped to a deserved defeat at Craven Cottage, extending their winless Premier League run to 10 matches and intensifying fears of a relegation battle.
Meanwhile, Fulham strengthened their push for European qualification with an assured display.
Fulham struck early, just as they had in their 2-1 win in north London in November.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring in the seventh minute, volleying home from close range after Oscar Bobb’s delivery.
The goal sparked controversy, with new Spurs manager Igor Tudor arguing that Raul Jimenez had fouled Radu Dragusin in the build-up.
However, after a VAR check, the decision stood - much to the Croatian’s frustration.
Tottenham had seen a similar effort ruled out against Arsenal last week, but this time there was no reprieve.
Matters worsened in the 34th minute when Alex Iwobi doubled Fulham’s lead, finishing crisply from 18 yards after a neat exchange with Wilson, the ball clipping the inside of the post on its way in.
Fulham could have put the game beyond doubt before half-time.
Calvin Bassey fired over from close range, while Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe also missed promising chances.
Spurs improved after the break and pulled one back in the 66th minute when substitute Richarlison headed in from Archie Gray’s cross.
But despite late pressure, they rarely threatened an equaliser.
Pape Sarr struck the side-netting late on and Joao Palhinha saw a shot blocked deep into stoppage time, yet Fulham held firm.
The defeat leaves Tottenham 16th, just four points above the relegation zone with 10 games remaining.
They are still without a league win in 2026 and have now lost both matches since Tudor replaced the sacked Thomas Frank.
While Spurs look nervously over their shoulders, Fulham are glancing up the table.
Marco Silva’s side completed a rare league double over Tottenham - only the second in their history - and climbed to ninth, level on points with eighth-placed Everton.
Depending on other results, eighth spot could be enough to secure European football for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
Home form may prove decisive in that pursuit.
This was Fulham’s eighth win in 14 league matches at Craven Cottage, underlining their strength on familiar ground.
They were dominant for much of the first half and arguably should have wrapped up the contest earlier.
Tom Cairney nearly marked his introduction with a goal, firing narrowly wide, and the hosts were forced into a tense finale after Richarlison’s header.
With Silva yet to commit his future beyond the summer, Fulham’s strong finish to the campaign could be pivotal both on and off the pitch.
Tudor arrived with a reputation for steadying struggling sides, but the scale of the task at Tottenham is becoming clear.
Spurs have now endured their longest winless league run since 1994 and look fragile defensively while lacking cutting edge in attack.
They managed just one shot on target - Richarlison’s goal - and were fortunate that Fulham did not capitalise further on their first-half dominance.
The Croatian had insisted he was “100%” confident his team would avoid relegation.
Yet heavy defeats to Arsenal and Fulham have served as sobering reminders of their vulnerabilities.
With only a four-point cushion separating them from 18th-placed West Ham, Tottenham remain in serious danger.
A victory is urgently needed - not just to climb the table, but to restore belief in a season that continues to unravel.
