Three reasons for optimism in Tottenham’s win over Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane reacts during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane reacts during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane reacts during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane reacts during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 4, 2021. (Photo by Clive Rose / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE ROSE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. The attacking quartet showed glimpses of what’s to come

The moment we’ve all been waiting for finally came to fruition, with Gareth Bale, Son Heung-min, Dele Alli and Harry Kane all starting. The talented quartet enjoyed patches of dominance in the first half, executing a free-flowing, enterprising brand of football Tottenham supporters have desired since Bale returned to N17. Bale, Son and Dele combined for Tottenham’s opener, while Kane repeatedly found Son on the left wing, also missing a sitter he’ll still be ruminating over.

Of course it’s going to take more time for the quartet to get on the same wavelength and foment the kind of chemistry Son and Kane share. Dele has vast experience connecting with Son and Kane, while Bale will take some time to conform to their seemingly telepathic understanding. But we can’t expect them to unerringly dominate from the off, especially considering the compiling adversity Bale and Dele have faced this season.

The second half was evidence of that. Terribly ineffective, almost completely absent, all four had trouble making any impression whatsoever. That is also a testament to how far Fulham have come in recent months. They snuffed out some of the best talent in world football and almost got their just desserts. But as long as Jose has patience, Bale, Dele, Kane and Son will yield exceptional results in the same starting team. They have too much pedigree and experience not to eventually click, and fire on all cylinders. After all, form is temporary and class is permanent.