Tottenham missed out in the race for the Premier League Top 4 when they lost 3-0 to hosts Fulham in round 29.
Tottenham, who were riding high after thrashing Aston Villa 4-0 in the previous round, were doused in cold water at Craven Cottage. In-form striker Rodrigo Muniz scored twice to help Fulham secure a big win, preventing Ange Postecoglou's side from returning to the Top 4. This was also the first time Tottenham failed to score in the Premier League under the Australian coach.
Striker Rodrigo Muniz (left) opens the scoring for Fulham against Tottenham at Craven Cottage, London, round 29 of the Premier League on March 16, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Muniz joined Fulham in the summer of 2021, when they were still in the English Premier League. The Brazilian striker has only really shined in the past two months, when he scored seven goals in his last seven games. Against Tottenham, the 23-year-old centre-forward only passed the ball four times, shot three times, scored two goals and was awarded the best player of the match.
In the 42nd minute, left-back Antonee Robinson climbed high and crossed the ball right into Muniz's path, who fired a low shot into the far corner, against the direction of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. The striker completed his double in the 61st minute, with a close-range rebound despite being kicked in the leg by centre-back Radu Dragusin. Muniz was injured and had to leave the field a few minutes later, to applause from the West London crowd.
Muniz cried out in pain after scoring, after being tackled fiercely by Dragusin. Photo: Reuters
In between Muniz's brace, midfielder Sasa Lukic scored his first goal for Fulham, after 34 games. The three goals conceded in this match also made Tottenham the team with the worst defense in the Top 6, behind both Aston Villa and Man Utd.
However, Tottenham are still six points ahead of sixth-placed Man Utd and have a superior goal difference, with the two teams having played the same number of games. Fifth place also promises to help Tottenham return to the Champions League next season, as the Premier League is likely to have five places when the tournament expands from 32 to 36 teams.
Xuan Binh
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