Tonic for Coleman

Fulham boss Chris Coleman, who had been troubled by a viral infection, was given the best possible tonic when his side toppled high-flying Spurs with a late headed goal by Carlos Bocanegra from Elliott’s free kick.

Earlier, the visitors’ centre back Michael Dawson had been dismissed by referee Howard Webb following a clumsy second yellow card foul on Helguson on the edge of the box which few people outside the Spurs camp could have disputed. And to add to Spurs’ frustration, Fulham’s side contained full back Wayne Bridge, on loan from Chelsea and a player they had coveted.

Fulham’s victory, which maintains their impressive form at Craven Cottage, was watched from the stands by new midfielder Michael Brown, who is looking forward to the opportunity to play more regularly than he was able to as a Spurs player.