By Samuel A. March 17, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur’s bid to qualify automatically for next season’s Champions League took a hit as they were beaten and battered by Fulham at Craven Cottage by Three goals to nil. Rodrigo Muniz struck twice for Fulham, to secure a victory that pushed the West London side into the top half of the table. His opening goal was a sublime take and finish after a superb cross from Antonee Robinson, and he then added the third of the match in the 61st minute by bravely scrambling in a loose ball after Calvin Bassey hit the post. James Maddison missed a big chance for the visitors in the first half, with their day summed up when Brennan Johnson and substitute Timo Werner missed very close range chances in quick succession, just after the third goal.
Tottenham remain in fifth place, two points behind Aston Villa and six ahead of Manchester United in the race for Champions League places.
This comes as a shock, as Tottenham were running riots just last week at Villa Park, as their four goal salvo closed the gap on their hosts and offered them the chance to move into fourth place on Saturday, however, tonight, things look a little different. England’s coefficient in European competitions could give the Premier League an additional place in the Champions League next season anyway, so if so, that could turn into a fight between three clubs for two places.
Spurs would have to learn to not be complacent and keep their heads cool, as a run of fixtures in April and early May that reads Newcastle away, Manchester City home, Arsenal home and Liverpool away is coming up for them. How they deal with such a taxing run could be the key to this race for Champions League spaces next season.
