The Tanner Report : Fulham 2 Spurs 0

The back stories to a dull game – the type you tend to get on an early Sunday kick off at 1-30 – were more interesting than the game itself.

Fulham and Spurs’ best option for European competition is the Cup. Fulham might qualify if there are 8 European places in the Premiership but are still in the FA Cup.

Spurs have to win the Europa League to play in Europe next season and Ange Poatacoglou’s future at will depend on this.

So Spurs seemed to have little desire to waken a soporific crowd who had to wait for the 70th minute for either keeper to make a save.

The other noteworthy back story was Ryan Sessegnon.

He made his debut at 16 for Fulham after enrolling with his twin brother Steven in the Fulham academy aged 9. With the market moving from signing ‘galacticos’ on high wages and higher transfer fees Sessegnon moved to Spurs but injuries and frequent managerial changes prevented many appearances. So, still only 24, he moved back to Fulham this season on a free.

With Antonee Robinson widely regarded as the best left back in the Premiership he was not going to get many outings. However, the injury to Harry Wilson meant he might come off the bench in wide midfield. Sess always had an eye for goal and scored against Wolves. He did so on Sunday too, with his weaker right foot, holding off the challenge of Ben Davies. Footballers are insecure and needs to be loved which explains the rise in form of Sess, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi.

It was a rare trip to Craven Cottage for me as you get a better view in greater comfort on the TV without any transport hassle. However, you do not get the atmosphere. As I walked down Finlay Street to the ground – as I’ve been doing for 57 years – I did note that many more women were attending and also overseas fans. It’s still relatively easy to get a ticket at Fulham – unlike at Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs – which is why ticket agencies gobble up tickets and offer a weekend ‘experience’ in London. Us older fans feel disenfranchised -and  our loyalty unappreciated – but sad to say ticket income is behind the Sky cheques and the stadium when it comes to revenue.