Peter Crouch and David Bentley scored as Tottenham maintained their
place in the top four with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at White Hart
Lane.
Bentley was the surprise name on the Tottenham teamsheet but
the wantaway winger made a telling contribution against the
Cottagers on Tuesday evening.
Bentley is desperate to leave Spurs and his first start since
the beginning of December could attract attention from other clubs
- it was a determined performance, capped off by a free-kick that
flew in off Bjorn Helge Riise.
Crouch had opened the scoring at White Hart Lane after
escaping the attention of Chris Smalling, who was playing at
centre-back hours after it was announced Manchester United had
agreed terms for the youngster to play at Old Trafford next season.
Aaron Hughes shifted to right-back, allowing Smalling to play
in the centre of defence - and the England Under-21 international
coped well with the height of Crouch in only the second Premier
League start of his career.
He had plenty to deal with in the early stages. Tom
Huddlestone had the first attempt on goal, fizzing a volley that
Mark Schwarzer parried after Jermain Defoe's flick and Crouch's
dummy.
Schwarzer's palms were stung by another Huddlestone drive and
Crouch headed wide after Gareth Bale lofted a cross to the far
post.
Fulham's threat came through former Spurs striker Bobby
Zamora, back from a broken collarbone but lacking support in
attack.
After Damien Duff crossed in the 13th minute, Zoltan Gera
deftly cushioned a pass for Zamora but Heurelho Gomes rushed out to
save the finish and needed treatment after the brave block. It was
the closest they came all evening.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute thanks to Luka
Modric's impish skill.
Most had expected Bentley's deep cross to drop for a
goal-kick, including Riise, but Modric did not give up and managed
flick the ball over the Norwegian. He then scissor-volleyed inside
and Crouch escaped the attention of Smalling to tap home.
Crouch's 10th of the season was more about Modric's quick
feet rather than Smalling losing his striker - and the youngster
showed good composure in general, giving an example why United and
Arsenal have been chasing him.
Modric almost doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time
but it was nothing to do with Smalling's defending. The Croatian
tricked his way past Hughes and curled a shot that kissed the
crossbar.
Spurs fans have endured frustrating performances at home
during the current campaign - and Fulham were still in the game
while the hosts were just a goal ahead at the break.
Palacios had a chance when he headed over from Bentley's
cross, then Duff illustrated Fulham's threat when he powerfully
drove straight at Gomes from a promising position.
But the second goal arrived just before the hour mark after
Bale was tripped on the edge of the area by Hughes. Bentley's
free-kick took a wicked deflection off Riise, completing a wretched
match for the midfielder, and totally wrongfooted Schwarzer.
The dubious-goals panel will decide on whether Bentley will
be awarded the goal - but it did not matter to the midfielder as he
wheeled away to celebrate his first goal in five months.
The 25-year-old has had his attitude questioned by Spurs boss
Harry Redknapp and it is no secret he wants to leave the club - but
it was a key moment and a rare golden moment for the winger, who
left out of the matchday squad against Leeds at the weekend.
Michael Dawson headed over from a Bentley free-kick, with
Spurs failing to add to their goals but holding out for victory.
It meant Spurs returned to winning ways after three matches
without victory, while Fulham are still looking for their first
away win in the league since the opening weekend of the season.
