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    Man Utd outcast Brandon Williams ‘open to leaving on loan transfer’ after falling down pecking order at Old Trafford

    BRANDON WILLIAMS could leave Manchester United on loan before next week’s transfer deadline, according to reports.The full-back has made just one appearance for the Red Devils in the last 18 months.
    Brandon Williams shares a laugh in training with Raphael VaraneCredit: Getty
    Williams, 22, played 50 times for Man United under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    He was loaned out to Norwich City at the start of last season in order to gather more first-team experience.
    The homegrown defender was relegated with the Canaries and returned to Old Trafford with an injury last summer.
    Williams previously backed up Luke Shaw at United, but Tyrell Malacia’s arrival last year pushed him further down the pecking order.
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    According to the Manchester Evening News, Williams is “open” to moving out on loan for the rest of the season.
    He has 18 months remaining on his Man United contract, with the Red Devils able to add another year.
    Life under Erik ten Hag got off to a difficult start for Williams, who missed out on an opportunity to impress the Dutchman on United’s summer tour of Thailand and Australia through injury.
    He was subsequently absent for the start of the season, but recovered in time to feature on the Red Devils’ mid-season trip to Spain during the World Cup.
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    Williams, 22, has made 51 appearances for Man United’s first teamCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag handed him his first appearance of the season during the 2-0 League Cup win over Burnley, bringing him on for the final five minutes.
    He was then an unused substitute for Prem matches against Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
    While in Spain with United last month, Williams reflected on his season so far.
    He told United’s club media: “Yeah, it’s been good. It’s been good to get back out on the pitch. I miss what I do.
    “Seeing the boys train, fly out to countries… Pre-season and stuff by myself it was hard and difficult.
    Norwich was a fantastic year for me personally, on and off the pitchBrandon Williams
    “But – thanks to the physios and my team-mates and the people behind the scenes who have helped me a lot, helped with my mentality, not just with my body as well – I feel good, I feel great and it’s good to be back now.”
    On his time out on loan, he added: “Norwich was a fantastic year for me personally, on and off the pitch. I learned a lot off the pitch because it’s so far away from home.
    “Everything’s in Manchester for me, but when I settled in I was fine, I was flying.
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    “I got an injury towards the end and then I got an injury which has kept me out now, so the start and the end part weren’t that good but the middle definitely helped me as a player.
    “It helped me off the pitch, on the pitch and I went there and I got what I wanted, which was game time.”
    The defender spent last season on loan at Norwich CityCredit: Alamy More

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    Everton ‘contact ex-Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelino about replacing Frank Lampard as new manager’

    FORMER Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelino is reportedly on Everton’s shortlist to replace Frank Lampard.The Toffees axed Lampard on Monday after weeks of unrest at Goodison Park amid protests for the board to resign.
    Former Bilbao boss Marcelino is reportedly wanted by EvertonCredit: Getty
    The former Chelsea boss replaced Rafa Benitez last January but has failed to stop the rot.
    And the disappointing 2-0 defeat to relegation rivals West Ham on Saturday proved to be the last straw.
    Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche and ex-Leeds gaffer Marcelo Bielsa are the two favourites to succeed the Chelsea legend.
    Everton legend Wayne Rooney and former chief David Moyes, currently at West Ham, are also in the running.
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    However, Marca are claiming that the Spaniard Marcelino is on the shortlist of managers on the shortlist too and has been contacted by the club.
    The 57-year-old has enjoyed spells in charge of a number of LaLiga clubs.
    He led Villarreal to three successive European finishes during his three years at the helm until 2016.
    He then went on to Valencia, where he secured the Copa del Rey back in 2019.
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    Marcelino then had a short stint in charge of Bilbao in the 2020/21 campaign, losing the Spanish cup final, before departing at the end of the season.
    He has not managed since, but now this report claims that he could be heading to Merseyside for his first taste of the Premier League.
    Defeat at the London Stadium has left the Merseysiders with a record of just one win in their last 12 league matches.
    Everton registered a mere 15 points out of a possible 60 this season.
    The Toffees face the daunting prospect of welcoming league leaders Arsenal to Goodison a fortnight on Saturday.

    And the following week, they’ll travel across Stanley Park to face bitter rivals Liverpool in what will no doubt be another fiery affair.
    Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is found. More

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    Chelsea set to offer Thiago Silva new contract keeping defender at club beyond his 39th birthday

    CHELSEA are set to offer veteran defender Thiago Silva a new contract, according to reports.The proposed deal would see the Brazilian stay at Stamford Bridge beyond his 39th birthday.
    Thiago Silva is still playing at the top level aged 38Credit: Getty
    Silva, 38, has been a revelation for the Blues since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
    According to The Times, Chelsea chiefs view Silva as the perfect veteran to mentor their young talent.
    Since his arrival last year, owner Todd Boehly has placed an emphasis on recruiting top young talent, including defenders Wesley Fofana, 22, and Benoit Badiashile, 21.
    Having been a stalwart for former manager Thomas Tuchel, Silva has also impressed current boss Graham Potter with his “attitude and ability”.
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    Silva and wife Belle are said to be settled in London and happy to stick around.
    Having featured for Brazil at the World Cup, Silva remains as fit as ever – having made 30 appearances for club and country so far this term.
    He is said to want to keep playing at the highest level beyond his 40th birthday.
    Silva has made 105 appearances for the Blues since joining two and a half seasons ago.
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    In that time he has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
    Chelsea’s January spending is set to continue this week.
    The Blues have already recruited Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke this month – in addition to Joao Felix on loan.
    They are chasing Lyon’s teenage right-back Malo Gusto and want him this month rather than waiting until the summer, given Reece James’ injury woes.
    While Chelsea also want to sign World Cup sensation Enzo Fernandez from Benfica – although the Portuguese side are determined to keep him.
    Chelsea have so far made five permanent signings this month More

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    Harry Kane reveals he levelled Spurs goals record vs Fulham after being up all night with a FEVER as Conte hails striker

    HARRY KANE shook off illness to become Tottenham’s joint all-time top scorer with a classy winner at Fulham last night.The England captain, 29, netted his 266th goal to draw level with legend Jimmy Greaves.
    Harry Kane brilliantly struck Tottenham into the leadCredit: Rex
    Kane, 29, celebrates his landmark strikeCredit: Getty
    Kane’s 20-yard strike on the stroke of half-time was also his 199th goal in the Premier League.
    He said: “To get the goal and equal the record was a nice feeling. I’ve been playing football long enough to know where the goal is.
    “That’s just instinct. That’s just being a striker, the joy of scoring goals.
    “I used the defender to get the bend around him and then it is hard for the goalkeeper because he is unsighted. I train a lot with my finishing with mannequins.
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    “Last night was tough, up every couple of hours. A bug or virus, I have three kids but I have a day off tomorrow.”
    Despite the personal accolades, Kane has still yet to taste silverware with Tottenham but a move is not on his mind.
    And he added: “I am just concentrating on this season. There will always be talk about my future, I just want to focus on my job on the pitch.”
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte hailed hero Kane for battling through.
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    Conte said: “I want to underline that Harry played with a fever.
    “He was not so good but he wanted to play because he understood the moment and that he’s a point of reference for me and the players.
    “I’d like to help him to try to do something important — to win something with Tottenham because Harry loves Tottenham, it is his heart.
    “It’s important for him to have this record but it would be more important to lift the trophy. We have to be dreamers.”
    Kane almost broke the record only for a fine save by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno late on.
    The striker added: “I wasn’t thinking about the record but whenever I miss a chance I expect to score I am disappointed.”
    Kane, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, has yet to sign a new Spurs deal.
    Conte has also not committed his long-term future to the club.
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    But Kane said a meeting last week between players and Conte helped their season get back on track.
    Kane added: “We had a good meeting, just to  talk among ourselves to get back to what we’re good at. We’ve got to keep fighting.”
    Antonio Conte hailed the commitment of his star manCredit: Getty More

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    Rio Ferdinand reveals biggest sign Arsenal played like ‘champs’ against Man Utd and responds to Piers Morgan jibes

    RIO FERDINAND believes Arsenal are champions-elect – thanks to their chilled-out response to falling behind early against Manchester United.The Old Trafford legend was awed by Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders showing “zero panic” in Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win.
    Two-goal Eddie Nketiah and fellow scorer Bukayo Saka celebrate as Arsenal came from behind to lead 2-1 then pinch a 90th minute winnerCredit: Getty
    Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal have the confidence of championsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The ex-England defender initially had a dig at celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan, who claimed Thomas Partey would dominate the “snowflakes” in United’s midfield.
    But Ferdinand then had no problem in agreeing Arsenal could be on course for their first Prem title since 2004.
    He told Gunners fan Joel Beya on his Five Youtube channel: “You lot played like champions.
    “I was sitting there watching it with my two sons.
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    “The biggest telling factor for me was when you went one down. There was zero panic.”
    Sun columnist Piers had predicted beforehand that all-action Partey would be too strong for his Red Devils’ counterparts.
    So Ferdinand was quick to note Marcus Rashford nutmegging the Ghana hero on the way to his brilliant 17th-minute breakthrough.
    Ferdy posted a clip of the England frontman’ s cheeky skill and chilling finish along with the taunt: “Close ya legs!”
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    In a follow-on post he added: “Ps @piersmorgan I’ve been seeing ur posts!”
    But after the Gunners revived for a deserved victory, TalkTV presenter Piers had the final word: “As I said he would, Partey bullied your snowflakes into submission…”

    Piers Morgan had the last laugh on Ferdinand as Arsenal wonCredit: Dan Charity More

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    Man Utd ‘looking to HIJACK Chelsea’s Malo Gusto transfer as they make contact with Lyon defender’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to hijack Chelsea’s transfer move for Lyon right-back Malo Gusto, according to reports.The 19-year-old is said to have agreed terms with the Blues and the West London club are in contact with Lyon.
    Man Utd would like to hijack Chelsea’s move for Malo GustoCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have offered the rising star a contract longer than five years and haven’t been shy with splashing the cash under owner Todd Boehly.
    Boehly has signed off on nearly £400million pounds worth of transfers since buying the club with £151m of that coming in this month alone.
    However, RMC Sport report that Man Utd are hoping to hijack Chelsea’s move for Gusto and have told the right-back to “not to rush” a decision.
    It is not clear whether United would make a late January move or hope that Gusto holds off on a mid-season switch in order to swoop in the summer.
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    The latter could be more likely if the words of director of football John Murtough are to be believed.
    Murtough said at a fans’ forum in December: “While we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window.
    “January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go.
    “It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.
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    “We’ll see what’s possible in January but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
    “We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings.
    “You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
    “As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.”
    United did follow through on their pursuit of a new striker following the bitter departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    The Old Trafford club made a cost-effective signing by loaning Burnley striker Wout Weghorst. More

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    Fulham 0 Tottenham 1: Kane becomes Spurs’ joint all-time top scorer with Greaves to keep top-four dream alive

    HARRY KANE was already a god to Tottenham fans – but last night that immortality was confirmed as he equalled Jimmy Greaves’ record of 266 goals for the club.Just imagine how revered he will be if he actually does sign a new contract.
    Harry Kane equalled Jimmy Greaves’ record of 266 goals for TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Spurs’ 1-0 win over Fulham keeps their top four hopes aliveCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Kane’s future dominated the hours leading up to this London derby with news emerging that he is open to starting talks over fresh terms when the transfer window closes.
    With 18 months left on his current deal, time will tell if he can truly be convinced to commit again to a club where he has been so prolific but won nothing.
    He will now go into those negotiations with no player having scored more than he has in the North Londoners’ history.
    Greaves’ record has stood for 53 years but was always going to go eventually with Kane around.
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    The England captain matched it with a vintage effort, holding off a defender with his brute strength and finding the corner with laser-like accuracy during first-half stoppage time.
    It was enough to give Antonio Conte a much-needed victory that moved his side to within three points of fourth-placed Manchester United, albeit having played a game more.
    Support for Kane from the travelling fans was heard with minutes of kick-off, which had been delayed by 15 minutes due to travel disruption – and then a further three due to an issue with ref Paul Tierney’s technical equipment.
    The chants of ordering chairman Daniel Levy to “get out of our club” were unmistakable too right from the off.
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    Son Heung-Min was lucky to escape a red card for a bad foul on Kenny TeteCredit: Getty
    Aleksander Mitrovic was unable to hit the target at Craven CottageCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Conte had urged his side to bring back the “nasty” streak he felt they had last season ahead of this game.
    Spurs have become a soft touch of late, conceding a whopping 21 goals in their last ten league games prior to last night – shipping two or more in nine of those.
    In Conte’s own words, he felt Spurs “fought a lot, were suffering a lot, maybe sometimes we didn’t deserve it but in the end we won” last term, which ended with a top-four spot.
    His team looked as if they had taken his advice on board with some crunching challenges early on from Dier and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg.
    Though they were nothing on the one Joao Palhinha put in on Hojbjerg minutes later which earned him a yellow card.
    Fulham have been in fine form, winning five games in a row before last week’s last-gasp defeat at Newcastle.
    With Spurs struggling at the moment, it was unsurprising that the hosts had the better of the first half.
    Kane put Spurs ahead on the brink of half-time with a curling rocket from distanceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The goal saw Kane move into the Spurs history booksCredit: Getty
    Hugo Lloris has dropped a few clangers of late but he did well to keep out strikes from Bobby DeCordova-Reid, Pereira and Harrison Reed.
    Son Heung-min’s season has been a disaster compared to last term, where he shared the Premier League golden boot with Liverpool’s Mo Salah.
    Nothing is going his way and you had to feel for the South Korean as his attempted dribble ended with him losing the ball and catching Kenny Tete on the top of his ankle.
    It was a bad tackle and Son was lucky to escape with only a yellow card.
    Spurs finally started to show some attacking intent, with Kane firing a shot in anger and Emerson Royal testing Bernd Leno at his near post.
    Then, in first-half stoppage time, they nicked the lead thanks to their inimitable No10.
    Son ended up with the assist as he laid it off to his old mucker on the edge of the area.
    Antonio Conte was delighted as his side held out for a massive winCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Spurs are just three points off Man Utd and the top fourCredit: Getty
    Kane held off Tim Ream and fired into the far corner, displaying the power, precision and ruthlessness that have made him into one of the world’s greatest strikers.
    It drew him level with the legendary Greaves’ haul – a record which has stood since 1970.
    Kane almost broke it just before the hour when nodding on Ben Davies’ header back but was denied by Leno’s super stop.
    Fulham pushed for a leveller with their own talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic heading over with 15 minutes left.
    But they were ultimately undone by Kane, like so many teams before them.
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    Greaves hit his 266 in 379 games, Kane has done it in 415.
    Yet whenever his time at the club is over, whether it be this summer, next or in years to come, there is no doubting the man dubbed “one of our own” will be out on his own in the goal-scoring stakes. More

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    Fulham 0 Tottenham 1 LIVE RESULT: Kane’s record-equalling strike sees Spurs close gap on fourth place Man Utd

    TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have recovered from back-to-back defeats courtesy of a sweet strike from Harry Kane.Fulham looked threatening going forward for large periods of the match.
    But Kane’s low driven strike turned out to be the winner and sees him join Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham’s all-time top goal scorer.

    RESULT: Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    Live stream: NOWTV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
    Fulham XI: Leno; Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Reid, Pereira, Willian; Mitrovic
    Tottenham XI: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Perisic; Kulusevski, Son, Kane

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    Kane strike sinks Silva’s Fulham
    When he picked the ball up and was forced outside of the box, nothing seemed on for the England man.
    He dropped his shoulder, giving him a yard of space and looked to use the defenders in front of goal to mask his shot.
    Leno was unsighted as he bent the ball around them into the bottom corner, with the keeper rooted to the spot.
    Credit: Getty
    Hit them where it hurts
    Fulham will feel they had more of the game and could turn their momentum into anything telling.
    A sublime finish from outside the box from Harry Kane was enough to bag all the points for Spurs.
    However, Marco Silva will feel his attacking options let him down this evening.

    FT: Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    Antonio Conte goes over to the fans to celebrate his side’s win in this London derby.
    Despite the stats showing that The Cottagers slightly edged this game, Tottenham were clinical in front of goal.
    Classic away performance.

    FT: Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    Harry Kane’s goal just before half-time is enough to seal all three points for the North Londoners.
    Fulham will feel they didn’t give the best account of themselves this evening.
    That could be a big three points for Antonio Conte’s team.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    90+6. The home fans try to rally the troops with cries of ‘Come on Fulham, Come on Fulham’.
    Wilson tries to take the ball around Richarlison but slips.
    Fulham need to muster one last chance now.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    90+4. Chance for The Cottagers to break at pace.
    Cairney does well initially but cannot get the ball under control, a pity as Harry Wilson was wide open.
    Time is running out for Marco Silva’s side.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    90+2. Palhinha and Hojbjerg come together in a challenge.
    Both players are down and the Tottenham players are asking the referee what the Fulham man has to do to see a second yellow card.
    Tottenham come forward looking to kill this game off.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    90. Fulham draw a save from Hugo Lloris finally.
    The Tottenham keeper diving full-stretch to tip one around the post.
    As the visitors look to break, Robinson slips in the challenge and takes a knee to the head.
    There will be six additional minutes.
    Kulusevski comes off for Bissouma.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    88. A bad day at the office has just got worse for Fulham.
    Mitrovic gingerly walks over to the sideline.
    Willian and De Cordova-Reid come off.
    Credit: AFP
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    86. Mitrovic lays on the ground as he is caught by Eric Dier.
    The physios run onto the pitch to treat him.
    Vinicius looks set to come on for the hosts along with Harry Wilson.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    84. The home fans have been silent for far too much of this game.
    Fulham haven’t given their support enough to get behind.
    Silva will feel they should have tested a questionable Tottenham defence far more here today.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    82. Tottenham are looking to utilise some game management for the remainder of the game.
    With a goal advantage, they know time is running out for Fulham.
    They will do whatever they can do control the game and run down the clock.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    80. Kenny Tete comes off for Manor Solomon.
    Tottenham cross with the ball finally dropping to the feet of Harry Kane.
    He turns and shoots in an instant with his effort going just wide of the post.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    78. Fulham are playing some nice football.
    It just seems there is no end product whatsoever.
    They need to put more pressure on the Tottenham goal, Hugo Lloris has had far too little to do in this game.
    Meanwhile, Bentancur is booked for demanding a second yellow card for Palhinha.
    Credit: AP
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    76. Fulham have had 70% of possession in the last ten minutes but have failed to register a shot of any form.
    Finally, the hosts get a cross in, finding Mitrovic.
    He tries to direct his header towards the back post but it is well wide of goal.
    Richarlison comes on for Son Heung-Min.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    74. Tottenham have a couple of players feeling the effects of some challenges.
    Bentancur rubbing his head while Kulusevski lays on the ground holding his ankle.
    Both seem fine to continue the game.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    72. Fulham are trying to put pressure on the Spurs back line.
    They are huffing and puffing but cannot blow down Antonio Conte’s defence in this half.
    Tottenham are almost fending them off like a boxer using his jab to keep his opponent at bay.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    70. Kulusevksi has been given the task of tracking Robinson’s bursts forward for Fulham.
    This is the problem when you play three at the back, you tend to rely on wingers to do some defending.
    Romero is shown a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Mitrovic, catching him with a high boot.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    68. Outside of football, Tim Ream really could find a career as a Robbie Savage lookalike.
    The Fulham captain is digging in to keep Tottenham at bay.
    They need to find a way to silence these away fans and get Craven Cottage bouncing again.
    Credit: Reuters
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    66. Reed makes way for Cairney.
    Tottenham are looking very comfortable as it stands.
    A goal ahead and not really being troubled by Fulham’s attacking play in the final third.
    Marco Silva really needs to find a false nine to play off Mitrovic.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    64. Maybe Marco Silva is reading this.
    Tom Cairney looks set to be introduced to the game.
    A regular starter in their Championship campaign, Cairney has rarely featured in the Premier League.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    62. Willian seems to struggling against Royal this half.
    The Tottenham full back isn’t diving in as much which prevents the Fulham man skipping past him.
    Marco Silva will be thinking about what changes he can make to effect this game right about now.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    60. Tottenham are starting to knock on the door now.
    They opt for short corners before getting the delivery into the box which seems to cause Fulham more problems.
    Silva’s side are just happy to clear their lines at the moment.
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    58. The away fans are making themselves heard.
    Kulusevski gets away from Robinson but he recovers at the cost of a Tottenham corner.
    Kane manages to find some space in the box as he meets it with his head but Leno tips over the bar.
    Credit: AP
    Fulham 0-1 Tottenham
    56. Willian looks to come away with the ball for Fulham but Royal puts in a good challenge to put it into touch.
    Spurs are trying to double-up on the former Chelsea man when he has the ball.
    The hosts get another cross into the box but cannot find Mitrovic and Lloris gathers.
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