Tottenham scored with the last kick of the match to stun Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The win keeps third-placed Tottenham four points above Chelsea, while Fulham remain seven points adrift of safety.
Fulham took the lead when Fernando Llorente – brought into Tottenham’s starting XI as a replacement for the injured Harry Kane – inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net.
Fulham had chances to extend their lead but were pegged back when Dele Alli headed home Christian Eriksen’s pinpoint cross.
And Harry Winks then scored late into injury time to win the game. Here are five things we learned.
Spurs are going to struggle without Harry Kane…
In news that will come as a shock to precisely nobody: Tottenham aren’t quite the same team without Harry Kane running here, there and everywhere up front.
Fernando Llortente, 33, isn’t even half of the player Kane is. It was always going to be difficult for the veteran Spaniard to replace Kane and so it proved, with his game starting in disastrous fashion when he conceded an early own goal.
Meanwhile Tottenham’s wide players failed to impress, with the side appearing to lack a focal point, a player to hold the ball up and construct their attacks around. In the end, and after a lot of huffing and puffing, they were at least able to salvage a result here. But it’s going to be much more difficult against the likes of Chelsea, Watford and – gulp – Borussia Dortmund.
… although familiar combination offers them hope
It was a move Tottenham supporters have seen plenty of times before. Christian Eriksen dropping into a pocket of space, glancing up to assess his options, and picking out an unmarked Dele Alli at the back post.
It was a wonderfully cushioned header from Alli, a goal we are all now utterly accustomed to him scoring. The 22-year-old really is a natural goalscorer and delivered for Tottenham when his side needed him the most.
And so what a shame he was forced off injured in the closing stages and is now a doubt for the League Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Thursday night.
Fulham have the fight to stay up
Fulham have found their first season back in the Premier League incredibly difficult and defeat here today could cost them dear.
But this afternoon, against one of the best teams in the Premier League, they proved they possess enough fight to escape the mess they are in. They should be proud of their performance despite the result.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was superb and Ryan Babel also impressed, while their defence did a good job of marshalling Tottenham’s re-jigged attack. It’s not over yet for Claudio Ranieri’s team. Next week’s visit of Brighton will be huge.
Poch risks his reputation for developing youth
Kieran Trippier has been struggling for Tottenham in recent weeks and so there were more than a few raised eyebrows when the England international retained his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
But arguably more surprising was the complete absence of Kyle Walker-Peters, who wasn’t even named on Tottenham’s bench.
With Trippier playing poorly and Serge Aurier also absent – is now not the time for Walker-Peters to be handed his chance? Mauricio Pochettino has a reputation for developing young players but risks that if he continues to ignore Tottenham’s talented youngsters.
Ryan Babel impresses for the home team
Ryan Babel had an excellent chance to score on his Fulham debut when he was sent through on goal by the excellent Aleksandar Mitrovic early in the first-half.
Babel powerfully shrugged off Davinson Sanchez before racing clear, only to shoot directly at Hugo Lloris, who denied him with a one-handed save.
The Holland international was a constant buzzing menace and did more than enough to justify Fulham’s decision to snap him up on a free. He could be crucial in the weeks ahead.
