Tottenham 1-1 Fulham: After Tom Cairney’s goal, Spurs were inconsistent at home

Tottenham Hotspur were once again in trouble when they played at home to Fulham in the Premier League.

Spurs, missing several key players due to injuries and suspensions, had to withstand intense pressure before taking the lead through Brennan Johnson in the 54th minute.

The Welsh striker scored his sixth league goal of the season with a volley from close range after being sent home by Timo Werner’s cross.

But Fulham, who had the better chances in the game, deservedly equalized 13 minutes later through captain Tom Cairney, who was then sent off seven minutes from time for a rash foul on the back of Dejan Kulusevski’s Achilles.

Cairney, who had just come on as a substitute, fired home first-time left-footed from 18 yards after being picked out by Alex Iwobi.

Spurs, who beat Manchester City 4-0 last week and are the Premier League’s top scorers, have now failed to win two games in a row in their last eight games.

After missing a golden chance after just 50 seconds when Son Heung-min took advantage of a loose Fulham pass but was saved by Bernd Leno, the hosts struggled to create many chances until the first game.

James Maddison hit the post with a free kick that went under the wall in the second half but they failed to score the crucial second goal.

Fulham went close when Iwobi’s shot bounced off Ben Davies and hit the crossbar just before half-time, while Fraser Forster made a series of saves to deny the visitors.

Spurs were missing first-choice striker Dominic Solanke, who was not in the squad after coach Ange Postecoglou said he was feeling “a bit sore” following the Europa League draw against Roma in midweek.

And key striker Kulusevski, who has created more chances than any other player in the league to date, was on the bench as Postecoglou changed his squad. The Swede came on as a substitute after Fulham’s equalizer as Spurs looked for a winner.

But they couldn’t find it as they drew at home for the second time in a week after Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Roma. It was also the league’s first draw since the opening day of the season.