Tottenham manager Juande Ramos on the defeat to Arsenal:
"Robbie was upset about the penalty.
"The game was evenly balanced and we had that chance at 1-1.
"But to concede a goal from a corner when all the players are in the penalty area isn't normal and that mistake cost us."
Fulham caretaker manager Ray Lewington:
"All the games look hard on paper.
"We will be playing against a quality side away from home and our away form is not good.
"But we have got to win away from home sooner or later so we will go backed by the spirit we showed against Wigan."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
The only London derby in the Boxing Day Premier League fixtures, and the record of both sides in such matches is nothing to write home about; Spurs have not won in four this season, and in one of the last seven capital clashes, while Fulham are winless in 10, eight of which were drawn.
Tottenham have won their last three Boxing Day fixtures and have not lost since 2003; Fulham have not won a Boxing Day game since 2003.
A total of 12 goals have been scored in the last three matches between these clubs in the Premier League and FA Cup, including a 3-3 draw in this season's reverse fixture. All those games were at Craven Cottage, but the last time they locked horn at the Lane it was goalless.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Highest realistically achievable: 13th
Lowest could realistically fall: 15th
FULHAM
Highest achievable: 15th
Lowest could fall: 19th
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Robbie KEANE is Tottenham's leading scorer with 12 goals, and top Premier League marksman, with eight.
KEANE is a double shy of 100 Premier League goals.
If selected:-
Steed MALBRANQUE and Wayne ROUTLEDGE will be facing a former club.
Tom HUDDLESTONE will be appearing two days before his 21st birthday.
Suspended:-
Didier ZOKORA
FULHAM
Clint DEMPSEY is Fulham's top scorer with five Premier League goals.
Fulham have used more players than any other club in Premier League competition so far this season; 26.
If selected:-
Chris BAIRD will be making his 100th career league appearance (Southampton, Walsall, Watford and Fulham).
Simon DAVIES, Kasey KELLER, Paul KONCHESKY (loan) and Danny MURPHY will all be facing a former club.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last three Premier League clashes between Tottenham and Fulham have been drawn.
Fulham fought back from 0-2 down in the most recent at the Cottage on 1 September, and had to rely on a spectacular overhead kick from Diomansy Kamara a minute from time to secure a point in a six-goal game.
The Cottagers' only Premier League maximum was 0-3 on 30 August 2003, Barry Hayles scored twice and Luis Boa Morte got the other.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Spurs 26 wins, Fulham 9, Draws 22
Prem: Spurs 4 wins, Fulham 5, Draws 4
at Tottenham only
League (inc PL): Spurs 15 wins, Fulham 2, Draws 11
Prem: Spurs 3 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 2
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Fulham
17 September 2006 - Ref: Mark Clattenburg
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Fulham 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur
1 September 2007 - Ref: Mike Riley
Fulham scorers: Dempsey 42, Smertin 77, Kamara 90
Tottenham scorers: Kaboul 10, Berbatov 28, Bale 61
REFEREE
Andre Marriner (West Midlands)
Juande Ramos is likely to stick with young midfielder Jamie O"Hara after impressing in the defeat against Arsenal, although the match will come a few days too soon for centre-back Ledley King, returning from injury. Fulham caretaker boss Ray Lewington could turn to Chris Baird to replace Elliot Omozusi at full-back.
Tottenham´s Keane eager for penalty chance
Written by: AFP
LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham striker Robbie Keane said he will not shirk penalty-taking responsibilities despite missing a crucial spot-kick in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last weekend.
Tottenham´s Robbie Keane pictured during a training session at Anderlecht´s stadium, December 5, prior to his side´s UEFA Cup game against them the following day. Keane said he will not shirk penalty-taking responsibilities despite missing a crucial spot-kick in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last weekend.
Spurs face Fulham on Wednesday and the veteran Irish international wants to immediately make up for the pain of missing the penalty at the Emirates Stadium when the scores were level.
"Of course I will, no question," said the 27-year-old. "You just have to get on with it - there's nothing else you can do."
Keane's recent suspension stopped his purple patch of form that saw him score 27 goals in his last 37 Spurs appearances, a run that started against Fulham in the FA Cup last season.
The methods of new boss Juande Ramos have changed fortunes for the White Hart Lane team and they have only lost two games under the Spaniard.
"It's hard when you get beaten by your local rivals especially for the fans - but we've been playing well recently we can take a lot of positives," he said.
"It's very important for this squad over the Christmas period, if we get back-to-back wins we are right back in there again.
"It's a home game against Fulham and one you would expect us to win. We look forward to Fulham, we are home to Reading and then Aston Villa and they are games we are quite capable of winning."
FT Tottenham H. 5 - 1 Fulham
FT Tottenham H. [5 - 1] Fulham
21'
C. Baird
27' [1 - 0] R. Keane
45' [2 - 0] T. Huddlestone
60' [2 - 1]
C. Dempsey
62' [3 - 1] R. Keane
68'
M. Volz
71' [4 - 1] T. Huddlestone
80'
A. Smertin
82'
T. Huddlestone
84'
S. Davies
88'
M. Volz
90' [5 - 1] J. Defoe
Between this game and Chelseas game it is a total of 14 goals.. Thats crazy.
Aww poor Fulham...
We need to improve quickly, says Fulham´s Murphy
Written by: AFP
LONDON (AFP) - Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy fears his side's miserable season could take a turn for the worse over the Christmas programme unless they find a cure for their away-day blues.
Fulham midfielder celebrates after scoring a goal against Manchester City during a Premier League match at Craven Cottage in west London, September 2007. Murphy fears his side´s miserable season could take a turn for the worse over the Christmas programme unless they find a cure for their away-day blues.
The managerless Cottagers have suffered defeats to their relegation rivals and seen a number of controversial decisions go against them as they slumped into the drop zone.
With no end to the dismal run in sight Mohamed Al-Fayed, Fulham's owner, decided to sack manager Lawrie Sanchez last week.
Fulham's Premier League status is in danger and, by the time a new man comes in, the London club could be deep in trouble if they flop again over the festive period.
Caretaker coaches Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay managed to grind out a 1-1 home draw with Wigan last Saturday, but they now face a sterner test against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Boxing Day.
Fulham's away form has been poor - they have only won once on their travels so far this season and that came in the League Cup against Shrewsbury.
This fixture against Spurs has particular significance for Murphy, who left the club for Fulham after failing to win a regular place in their starting line-up.
The 30-year-old former England international is eager to show Spurs what they are missing. However, he fears there could be a backlash after they narrowly lost to rivals Arsenal last weekend.
"I think Tottenham away is a tougher fixture than the table suggests," he said.
"I know more than most about the quality [of players] they have there. They have some injury problems but they can bring in internationals to replace them.
"Spurs have been struggling a bit of late but they have only lost two games in 12 since [Juande] Ramos took over. It will be a tough ask because our away form has not been good enough. But we need to pick up results soon."
Murphy has worked his way into the Fulham first team and says he is enjoying his time at Craven Cottage, where he is hopeful of earning a new contract. He moved on from Tottenham because he was not playing enough football, but is certainly getting games under his belt at Fulham.
He added: "It's a simple equation. Unless you are 18 or 19-years-old and trying to break through, you have to be playing more than you are not.
"To expect to play every game at the bigger clubs is unrealistic and if you are happy doing nothing at the end of the week, then I think there's something wrong. I love being out there playing at the weekend. That's what it's all about."
Murphy will be coming up against his former team mates, but one in particular is not willing to let sentiment get in the way of the points.
Robbie Keane, who saw his penalty saved by Arsenal's goalkeeper Manuel Almunia last weekend in the north London derby, is determined to make amends for his mistake.
"Unfortunately I missed the penalty but I just have to get on with it," Keane told the club's official website. "It is as simple as that, there is nothing else you can do.
"Of course I am disappointed like everyone else but I am experienced enough to understand that you get great days but you also get some bad days."
Keane reaches a century as Tottenham run riot
Written by: AFP
LONDON (AFP) - Robbie Keane scored his 100th Premier League goal as Tottenham crushed struggling Fulham 5-1 on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane runs with the ball during their Premiership match against Fulham at White Hart Lane in north London. Keane scored his 100th Premier League goal as Tottenham crushed struggling Fulham 5-1.
Republic of Ireland striker Keane and Tom Huddlestone both scored twice at White Hart Lane, while club captain Ledley King made his long-awaited comeback from injury.
Second half substitute Jermain Defoe competed the scoring in the 90th minute, rounding off an excellent Tottenham move.
Fulham scored a goal through American international Clint Dempsey, but it was scant consolation for the Cottagers, who also had defender Moritz Volz sent off four minutes from time for a second booking.
King was named in the starting line-up for the first time this season after overcoming knee surgery and a thigh injury. It was only the England defender's seventh appearance for Tottenham in exactly a year due to injury problems.
King, who had only played in one reserve team fixture before this game, ironically against Fulham earlier this month, started alongside Younes Kaboul in defence.
Going into this fixture, Tottenham were enjoying a resurgence of form under manager Juande Ramos. The Spaniard replaced Martin Jol at the end of October and has since seen his side lose just twice in 12 games.
By stark contrast, Fulham's run of results have been poor and the performances cost former manager Lawrie Sanchez his job.
The former Northern Ireland manager saw his contract terminated by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed last week, with Ray Lewington and Billy McKinlay handed temporary charge.
The search for a full-time manager is well underway with John Collins, who resigned as Hibernian manager last week, Terry Venables and Graeme Souness all in the frame.
The caretaker duo of Lewington and McKinlay first had to deal with ending Fulham's unenviable away record. They have not won on their Premier League travels for over a year.
That unwelcome statistic looked destined to be prolonged in the 24th minute when Dimitar Berbatov connected with former Fulham midfield player, Steed Malbranque's inviting cross. The striker's downwards header looked goal-bound but he was denied by an excellent save by Antti Niemi.
Spurs sensed they were close to making the breakthrough and after a good spell of pressure, Keane deservedly put them in front in the 26th minute. The striker, who missed a crucial penalty in Tottenham's defeat to Arsenal last Saturday, drilled a left-footed shot past Niemi after Malbranque's effort had cannoned back off the post.
In first half stoppage time, Malbranque beat Chris Baird before feeding Berbatov. He laid the ball off for Huddlestone to slot home from the edge of the area.
The two goal advantage was no less than Spurs deserved, as Fulham failed to even hit the target, with Dempsey, Steven Davis and Chris Baird all firing over the bar.
Fulham introduced Hameur Bouazza after the break and the midfield player made a significant impact. He made a surging run down the left wing before crossing for Dempsey, who slid the ball past Paul Robinson from close range.
But Fulham's joy was short-lived as Keane restored Tottenham's two goal advantage with his landmark goal. The Republic of Ireland striker kneed the ball over the line after Berbatov had flicked on Jamie O'Hara's corner kick.
Tottenham then made it 4-1 when Huddlestone his scored his second of the match in the 70th minute. Aaron Lennon beat Konchesky for pace before passing to the midfield player, who drove the ball into the bottom of the corner from 20 yards out.
Defoe gave Ramos a timely reminder of his pedigree when scored with a low finish from Huddlestone's pass.
Ramos treats King with care
Written by: AFP
LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham manager Juande Ramos admitted he will have to treat Ledley King with care after the England defender finally returned from injury.
Tottenham Hotspur footballer Ledley King (R) vies with Fulham footballer Clint Dempsey (L) during their Premiership match at White Hart Lane in North London, England, 26 December 2007. Tottenham manager Juande Ramos admitted he will have to treat Ledley King with care after the England defender finally returned from injury. King made his long-awaited comeback in Wednesday´s 5-1 win over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
King made his long-awaited comeback in Wednesday's 5-1 win over Fulham at White Hart Lane.
The Spurs captain played for 73 minutes after overcoming knee surgery and then a thigh injury. It was only his seventh appearance for Tottenham in a year.
Ramos will now see how King reacts before deciding on whether he can play against Reading on Saturday.
"Ledley is still getting better. We needed him to play because we did not have enough defensive players and you can see the influence he brings to the team," Ramos said.
"To have a player like him in defence is great because he has a lot of international experience and knows the players well, but physically he has to get used to the tempo of the game.
"We will see how his knee is getting on and that depends on whether he can play again at the weekend."
Ramos also praised Tom Huddlestone for losing weight and proving he is capable of holding down a place in the first team.
The midfield player, who rarely featured under previous Spurs manager Martin Jol, showed off his new streamline figure by scoring two excellent goals in Wednesday's rout.
Huddlestone, who joined Tottenham from Derby for two million pounds in 2005, was placed on a strict diet by Ramos and it is now beginning to reap the benefits.
He scored his first when he thundered the ball past Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi in first half stoppage time after neat work by Steed Marbranque. His second was even better.
Aaron Lennon beat Paul Konchesky for pace before passing to Huddlestone, who drove the ball into the bottom of the corner from 20 yards out.
His man of the match performance was warmly received by Ramos, who said after the match: "Tom has been magnificent. He has excellent ball control and had a really good performance today and participated a lot in the match.
"His weight was something which worried us a lot at the beginning but you can see now he is making a real effort to be fitter. You can see the results in his performances.
"We are happy that there are players on the team who have slimmed down quite a bit and the rest of the squad appreciate that because we needed that to happen."
The match was also memorable for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who scored twice to take his career Premier League goals tally to the 100 mark.
Second half substitute Jermain Defoe wrapped up the scoring late on with a low finish from Huddlestone’s pass. Clint Dempsey had earlier scored a consolation goal for Fulham, but their misery was compounded when Mortiz Volz was sent off after receiving two bookings.
Caretaker Fulham manager Ray Lewington was left downcast by the defeat and warned his players that they need to improve against Birmingham on Saturday.
He said: "If they play like that they will get relegated but I hope they won't.
"Everything that could go wrong, went wrong against Spurs. We are realistic to know that the performance was no good either. We've got to put it right.
"I don't know if I will stay in charge this weekend but if Fulham make a change before then, fine."
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