The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Fulham fight back to deny Tottenham
Fulham’ s fury at having to play Tottenham at just 48 hours notice was shown to be misplaced as they earned a deserved 1-1 draw last night.
After Spurs’ game with Aston Villa was postponed, the Premier League quickly rearranged this match, which was originally due to be played on December 30, and Fulham boss Scott Parker described the decision as “scandalous”.
It looked like his grievances had foundation as Spurs dominated the first half and led through Harry Kane’s header, before a spirited second- half showing from Fulham was rewarded with an Ivan Cavaleiro leveller 16 minutes from time, earning their fifth successive draw as they bid to climb out of the bottom three.
For Tottenham it was the same old story – a game of early domination, missed chances and ultimately dropped points.
That is six points lost from winning positions at home this season as Jose Mourinho’s side stay sixth, six points off the top.
Phil Foden scored the only goal as Manchester City moved up to third in the table with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
Foden netted his eighth of the season just before half-time – a low strike from the edge of the box – as City maintained their recent climb with a fourth successive league win.
It should have been more comfortable for the dominant hosts as Raheem Sterling missed a late penalty, Bernardo Silva hit the woodwork and Seagulls keeper Robert Sanchez made a number of outstanding saves.
But the visitors were unable to capitalise on the reprieves and rarely threatened to force an equaliser.
City are now unbeaten in 14 matches in all competitions and building momentum, although their goal celebration could attract criticism amid the coronavirus pandemic.
All 10 of City’s outfield players celebrated together after Foden’s strike in the wake of renewed Premier League protocols calling for contact between players to be minimised.
City boss Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport: “We knew how tough it would be. Brighton had a good mentality to play.
“We had a really good first half and had chances. After we missed a really clear chance in the second half, they were better.
“We need to win these sort of games. It is a good lesson for us. Every game will be like this.”
Southampton ’s postponed FA Cup thirdround tie against Shrewsbury has been rescheduled for January 19, with next week’s Premier League fixture at Leeds called off.
The cup game had been set for January 9, but was postponed because of a coronavirus outbreak at the League One club.