Fulham 2-1 Tottenham: What Silva saidpublished at 16:52 GMT 1 March
16:52 GMT 1 March
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva speaking to BBC Match of the Day on Alex Iwobi's goal: "It's one of his best goals, he is capable to do these type of things. He is stronger when he tries to choose a corner and make a strong pass. It was a brilliant moment for him.
"It was a great performance overall, from an offensive point of view we enjoyed it - dynamic, creating chances, making it difficult for them."
Did you know?
Since the start of last season no player has scored more top-flight goals in London derbies than Fulham's Harry Wilson (10 - level with Eberechi Eze), who is the second player to score home and away against Spurs for the Cottagers in a Premier League season after Clint Dempsey in 2007-08.
Fulham have completed a league double over Tottenham Hotspur for only the second time, also doing so in the 2003-04 campaign – they have also equalled their longest winning run versus Spurs in the league (three).
Analysis: Silva's side with eyes on Europepublished at 16:13 GMT 1 March
16:13 GMT 1 March
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
While Tottenham are facing a fight to stay up, Fulham are looking the other direction.
This win was only the second time in their history that they had completed the league double over Tottenham, after they also did so in 2003-04.
With Marco Silva still yet to sign a new contract beyond this summer, Fulham are ninth in the Premier League table, with only goal difference separating them and eighth-placed Everton.
Eighth may be a position high enough to earn Fulham a return to European football, which they have not played in since 2012-13.
If they are to get there, their home form could be key as this was their eighth victory in 14 matches at Craven Cottage.
They were the better team in the first half and Calvin Bassey should have made it 3-0 but fired wastefully over from six yards. Emile Smith Rowe also had two chances to take the game away from Tottenham, before Richarlison's goal set up a frantic finish.
Club captain Tom Cairney almost scored with his first touch off the bench, but shot just wide.
It was a nervous finish for the home fans, but their side did enough to hang on to the three points.
Fulham v Tottenham: Team newspublished at 13:01 GMT 1 March
13:01 GMT 1 March
Image source, BBC Sport
Norway winger Oscar Bobb makes his first Premier League start for Fulham since moving from Manchester City at the end of the January transfer window.
He replaces Kevin, while Fulham are without Joachim Andersen, with Issa Diop coming in for the only other change from the side that began the 3-1 win at Sunderland.
Tottenham are able to include Pedro Porro for the first time since 24 January with the defender having recovered from a hamstring injury.
That is one of two changes from the 11 that began the 4-1 loss to Arsenal with Dominic Solanke starting up front in an attacking alteration, with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr on the bench.
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Van de Ven, Dragusin, Palhinha, Porro, Bissouma, Gallagher, Gray, Kolo Muani, Simons, Solanke.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Chelsea", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Tottenhampublished at 10:19 GMT 1 March
10:19 GMT 1 March
The Tudor times have not started well for Tottenham under Igor.
It's been a classic case of a manager coming in and being bullish in his first news conference, saying he is 100% sure they will stay up... then losing his first game and letting loose on the previous manager, saying things like the players aren't fit.
I thought it was an astonishing attack on Thomas Frank, because by saying Spurs have "good players with bad habits", he is totally blaming him for everything.
We know Tudor is a short-term specialist but what does that actually mean about him as a manager? It is OK going in and shoring clubs up for a few games, but why does he keep losing his job after that?
I don't think this is an easy game for him after his side were outclassed in the north London derby.
Fulham won well at Sunderland last time out and they look full of confidence. Their home record is good and they've already beaten Spurs once this season - there's a good chance they will beat them again.
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:01 GMT 28 February
13:01 GMT 28 February
Tottenham continue their battle to avoid relegation against a Fulham side that have enjoyed a succession of good results against them of late. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of the London derby at Craven Cottage.
Tottenham have had a week to get over suffering a second 4-1 defeat of the season to arch-rivals Arsenal. That chastening loss was a baptism of fire for new interim boss Igor Tudor, who admitted on Thursday that his job at hand is harder than he expected.
While little blame can be attached to Tudor for that defeat, Tottenham's despondent fans were left to stew on the Gunners securing their biggest away win at Spurs since 1978 and winning both north London league derbies in a season by three or more goals for only the second time after the 1934-35 campaign.
Tottenham are the only side in the top-flight without a league victory in 2026 with their winless run now standing at nine matches.
Only during the chaotic reign of Ossie Ardiles in early 1994 have they gone 10 Premier League fixtures without a win.
Tudor opted for a 3-5-2 formation against Arsenal that proved to be highly unsuccessful for his predecessor Thomas Frank. Spurs have won just one of their last 10 league games when playing with three centre-backs and none of their last six.
The Croat will be desperate to avoid becoming only the second Tottenham boss to lose his first two games in charge after Martin Jol, while it is unthinkable to Spurs supporters that he could become the first manager in Premier League history to concede four or more goals in his opening two matches.
Things are far more serene down by the Thames for Fulham. Their excellent 3-1 victory at Sunderland ended a three-match losing run in style and reignited their bid for European qualification.
Marco Silva's side head into Sunday's match full of confidence especially in light of their recent record against Tottenham. Three wins in their last four league meetings is as many as they managed in their previous 26 versus Spurs.
March has not been a happy hunting ground of late for the west Londoners with just four wins in their last 18 league games in the third month of the year. However, two of those victories have come in their last two home games with Tottenham.
Should they win, it would mark only their second ever league double over Spurs following the 2003-04 Premier League campaign.
Veteran striker Raul Jimenez took his top-flight tally for the season to eight goals with a brace at the Stadium of Light that encompassed a trademark header. Since arriving in the Premier League at the start of the 2018-19 season only three players have scored more top-flight goals with their head than the Mexican's 18.
His second came via a spot-kick, preserving his status of having the best 100% record in the Premier League of players to take 10 or more penalties with a perfect 13 from 13.
Silva on Kevin injury, Jimenez contract and new manager bouncepublished at 16:17 GMT 27 February
16:17 GMT 27 February
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
On Kevin, who has injured his fifth metatarsal and will be out for "some weeks": "A big blow for us. Slowly we start to see the reason he was brought in, the quality was becoming more difficult for opponents to control."
Silva is content that he has enough solutions for Kevin's absence.
Sasa Lukic and Samuel Chukwueze could be in contention but Fulham will take a decision following the final session before the game.
On Oscar Bobb: "He has settled very well, top guy, very professional. We are going to see his qualities slowly, because he is a top talented player."
On winning away at Sunderland: "It was a key game for us. It was an important moment in the season for us to stand up and show character. We know what we want for the end of the season, we will fight very hard to achieve it."
Silva is open to conversations with Raul Jimenez regarding another season at Fulham: "We are pleased with him. It's been a difficult season for him in terms of the load. At his age, the way he is helping the team - it's been a good season."
On facing Spurs: "The position they're in is below their standards. Their season has not been the best but I have enough maturity and experience to know that these kinds of games can be tricky and not to underestimate a group of players who want to react. Let's hope we don't give them the day to react."
On the threat of a new manager bounce: "When you face coaches who have been in the job already, they might have a different plan and you have to be ready from the first moment of the game. The change of manager won't be an excuse."
On playing at Craven Cottage four times in March: "It's a moment to show that we are stronger at home, and the fans can play a big part."
Braintree bring in Fulham midfielder on loanpublished at 18:41 GMT 25 February
18:41 GMT 25 February
Image source, Shutterstock
Braintree Town have signed midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias on loan from Premier League club Fulham for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old has yet to appear for Fulham's first team but made two EFL Trophy appearances for their under-21s in 2023-24.
Dibley-Dias made four appearances for Chesterfield earlier in the current campaign and joins the Iron in time for Wednesday's game against Aldershot Town.
Braintree have also brought in forward Amir Hadi from National League South side Farnborough, for whom he has scored twice in 16 games this season.
In praise of 'underrated' Jimenezpublished at 07:45 GMT 24 February
07:45 GMT 24 February
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Bargains are hard to come by in the modern game. But Fulham picking up Raul Jimenez for just £5m must go down as one of the biggest in recent years.
The Mexican is often misremembered as being brought in as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the pair were at the club together for a month before the Serb's agitations for a big-money move were answered.
So, despite being signed to complement our most prolific striker of the 21st Century, Raul quickly found himself tasked with filling his shoes.
Nearly three years later, it is safe to say he has done that. The stat doing the rounds this weekend is that Jimenez now has 27 goals in 88 Premier League appearances - compared to 28 in 89 top-flight games for Mitro.
That comes after his two goals sent us on our way to our first double over Sunderland in more than two decades, and a win that keeps us in contention for seventh and that final European place.
Once again, one of those goals came from the spot, making Jimenez the outright most successful penalty-taker in Premier League history. It is a fantastic pub quiz question and another string to the underrated striker's bow.
With all the talk about Harry Wilson and Marco Silva's futures, letting Jimenez quietly leave the club in the summer has gone under the radar.
While not officially announced, it is expected his contract will not be renewed, with a return to Mexico reportedly on the cards. Fulham's pursuit of Ricardo Pepi in January further hints at a conscious uncoupling in the summer.
When he does depart, Jimenez will boast a strike record and impact on the club that few other number nines in white have managed.
If it is to be goodbye, hopefully we take the opportunity during the next three months to give him the send-off he deserves.
Stephen: We started the game and continued with no urgency, no fizz, no structure and couldn't get out of first gear. Would be forgiven for thinking we were the away team because the crowd was also very quiet. When we had to up the gears we showed that it could have been so different if this had been our urgency and momentum from the start.
Dave: Looks like the season has caught up with Sunderland. Form is tailing off. Still, for a new team of players in the Premier league they can be happy overall.
Michael: Regis Le Bris made a fundamental error in having new boys start on both wings. They struggled to cope with the physical tussles and tumbles of the Premier League as a result of which Brobbey, receiving dismal service, fought a lone battle.
Marko: Sorry, but that was easily the worst home performance by far. The injury list is mounting and we are relying on mostly Championship quality players. They've done very well up to now but Fulham's quality up front shows just how far we still need to go.
Fulham fans
James: Wow. What an amazing performance and a great result against a team with some of the best home form in the league. Those are some super vital 3 points if we want to push for Europe.
Robbie: Fantastic result with a positive performance overall across the team. You could see again how important Harry Wilson is to Fulham and the player he has become with age and great management. Onwards and upwards!
Tom: Great response after 3 league defeats in a row. Hopefully Jimenez's goalscoring form will continue with the return of Muniz and competition for the centre forward spot in the team.
Fulham analysis: Jimenez's quality the differencepublished at 16:48 GMT 22 February
16:48 GMT 22 February
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Raul Jimenez scored twice to help Fulham end a three-match Premier League losing run with victory at Sunderland.
He was the key difference on Saturday kickstarting what had been a drab game with a fine header into the corner and a cool penalty kick.
Jimenez's double took his tally to 11 for club and county in 36 appearances this season.
And it was first goal since he scored against Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat on 1 February.
But he may have been fortunate to have still been on the pitch though, having been booked in the first half for catching Ballard with a flailing arm and almost getting a second yellow card for the same offence on Omar Alderete a few minutes later.
Manager Marco Silva wisely replaced him for Rodrigo Muniz shortly after his second.
Elsewhere, Harry Wilson continued his fine individual form by assisting Iwobi's late goal.
Since the start of November, only Erling Haaland (17) and Bruno Fernandes (15) have been involved in more Premier League goals than the fantasy football star (seven goals and five assists).
Sunderland 1-3 Fulham: What Silva, Iwobi and Jimenez saidpublished at 16:39 GMT 22 February
16:39 GMT 22 February
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to Match of the Day: "Very important win, big win for us. Well deserved as well.
"We showed quality, maturity, composure, organisation and braveness. Those are the important moments you have to step up and we did it."
On if he took Raul Jimenez off to avoid a second yellow card: "No - I have to do it because we ware talking about a striker that had four or five fouls against him and one yellow card against him. It was a little bit difficult for him, every time he went to the ball was a foul. I don't want to take any risks."
On ambitions for the season: "We want to push higher and higher. It was a key game for us. We are going to see. March is a big month for us with five games, four of them at home. We will try to perform at our best level."
Fulham goalscorer Alex Iwobi speaking to Sky Sports: "We knew it was going to be difficult, the pitch wasn't great. We know if we wanted to climb up the table we had to get these points away from home. They have been very good at home and it's good to get the result we wanted."
On if Europe is the aim now: "We take it step by step. Onto the next game, we got the three points which was the aim, to climb above them. We take it game by game - that cliche saying and see where we end up at the end of the season."
Goalscorer Raul Jimenez added: "We tried to put our game on the pitch and we managed to do it better in the second half. We scored early and controlled the game after that."
On his goals: "I had a good feeling since the beginning and I knew that I needed to do a great game, I needed these two goals. It's good for me to be helping the team in the way I can to keep climbing the table."
Did you know?
Fulham's Raul Jiménez has the best 100% record from penalties in Premier League history, scoring all 13 he has taken.
Sunderland v Fulham: Team newspublished at 12:57 GMT 22 February
12:57 GMT 22 February
Sunderland give a Premier League debut to January signing Joecelin Ta Bi.
The 20-year-old winger, who joined from five-time Israeli champions Maccabi Netanya after a loan spell with Hapoel Petah Tikva, made his debut in Sunderland's FA Cup win over Oxford United last Sunday.
He's the only change from Sunderland's last league game, a 1-0 loss to Liverpool, with Reinildo Mandava ruled out with a knee injury.
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Ta Bi; Sadiki, Le Fee; Hume, Diarra, Angulo; Brobbey.
Fulham make just one change from their last Premier League match, a 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Injury forces out Samuel Chukwueze so Kevin comes into the starting XI. Fulham's last match was a 2-1 win over Championship outfit Stoke in the FA Cup.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Fulham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Spurs v Arsenal", for instance.
Sunderland v Fulham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:16 GMT 21 February
13:16 GMT 21 February
Sunday's mid-table clash between Sunderland and Fulham at the Stadium of Light (14:00 GMT) brings together two sides experiencing slumps in otherwise solid seasons, both buoyed by progress to the FA Cup fifth round.
Sunderland's 1-0 defeat against Liverpool in their last league fixture was their first loss at home all season, having won seven of their previous 12. It was the longest unbeaten home start to a top-flight campaign by a promoted side since Nottingham Forest went the entire 1977-78 campaign without defeat.
Black Cats have stopped purring
Head coach Regis Le Bris made six changes for their cup success against Championship strugglers Oxford United and it will be interesting to see if the Frenchman thinks anyone he drafted in made a good case to start this game as he looks to arrest a decline in the Black Cats' form.
Since victory in the Tyne-Wear derby on 14 December, the Mackems' only league wins have come against Crystal Palace and relegation candidates Burnley, a run which has seen them drop from seventh in the table on New Year's Day to 11th.
Le Bris's side have lost four of their last six league games, as many as they had in their first 20 this season. Successive defeats to Arsenal and Liverpool marked the first time they've lost consecutive league games this term.
Chukwueze does it
Having been in the best form of their Premier League lives throughout December and January, Fulham are another side having a wobble, with three losses on the spin leaving them 12th in the table, one place and two points below Sunday's opponents.
Marco Silva's side have struggled on the road this season, with only the bottom two, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, having suffered more away defeats than Fulham's eight.
Most of the plaudits for the Cottagers' success this season have gone to Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez, who scored the winner in the reverse fixture in November. Kevin's recent contributions have also caught the eye, but there's another attacker adjusting to life in west London who shouldn't go unheralded.
Winger Samuel Chukwueze has endured a stop-start Fulham career since joining on loan from AC Milan in September, largely due to his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
Despite his limited time on the pitch, his contributions have been notable. Of all players to have played 500-plus minutes in the Premier League this season, only Erling Haaland is averaging a goal involvement more frequently than Chukwueze.
Fulham, who are aiming to complete the league double over Sunderland for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign, have a good recent record against promoted teams, although their 12-game unbeaten run in such fixtures came to an end with a 1-0 defeat at Leeds United in January.
Silva on 'mood', away support and contract latestpublished at 16:22 GMT 20 February
16:22 GMT 20 February
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Stadium of Light (kick-off 14:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva confirmed Tom Cairney and Sasa Lukic have both returned to training this week and they will "have to assess them again" before making a decision on who will be available, but it is "nice to have them back there with their team-mates and looking good". However, the Sunderland game will be too soon for Samuel Chukwueze.
On the importance of FA Cup win over Stoke after recent Premier League defeats: "It's very important always to win games, but it's not that the mood was down at all. I didn't feel that... Sometimes even if the results are not the best one, doesn't mean that everything is wrong or the mood can be down. I think we did what was our obligation against Stoke, a game that we needed energy, we made 10 changes from one game to the other. The team responded very well. We are very serious in a competition that we want to win."
When comparing their form over the Christmas period and more recently, asked whether it is sometimes better having busy spells of fixtures, Silva responded: "Depends, really. When the games are coming thick and fast and you are getting good results, the fatigue will not come, the lack of energy will not come. You are never tired if you are getting good results and you are winning. But if you ask some teams that in that period didn't get the right results, for sure they were tired and mentally they were not in their best."
The Fulham boss believes, however many fans manage to make the trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, they are "going to be loud, they are going to support the team", adding: "We want to make them proud and we want to make them have a good game, and if they can have a good journey back with a smile on their face, it's going to be everything for us."
Silva said him and the club are "aligned" and having conversations about "many, many things", including his contract, so there is no further news on his future at this time.
On racism in football following the incident in the Champions League this week with alleged racist abuse from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr:" I think we we all have this battle and here is clear, but around Europe, around the world, I think the battle is there for us to win and at the end we are going to win."