Premier League 2018-19: 3 reasons why Tottenham beat Fulham

#2 Tottenham rode their luck

Aleksandar Mitrovic had a goal ruled out for offside on an unlucky day for Fulham

Up until the 93rd minute, the feeling amongst Tottenham fans must’ve been that this simply wasn’t their side’s day; they missed a number of chances, chief culprit being Fernando Llorente, and just seemed to lack their usual dynamism across the field. But in hindsight, perhaps Mauricio Pochettino’s side were far luckier than fans may have initially thought.

Firstly, with Tottenham pushing for an equaliser late in the first half, Andre Schurrle struck a right-footed volley at goal only for Hugo Lloris to pull off a tremendous save. Aleksandar Mitrovic was at hand to head the rebound home, only to be flagged offside. While the replays confirmed the Serbian hitman was off as Schurrle shot, on other days the goal could easily have been given.

And later in the game – after Tottenham had equalised – Mitrovic broke away from Jan Vertonghen and made a run on goal, only for the ball to be palmed away by Lloris as he attempted to go around the keeper. Lloris also took Mitrovic down – and could’ve conceded a penalty – but the referee judged that no foul had taken place. Again, on other days, a spot-kick could well have been awarded.

Had the referee gone the opposite way with both – or perhaps just one – of those key decisions, Fulham could easily have walked away with 3 points rather than nothing. Maybe this was Tottenham’s day after all!