Spurs' Other Harry Comes to the Rescue in Stoppage Time

The image of Craven Cottage itself is one of being lost in time, when brown leather footballs where punched about by weekday workers enjoying a good run and a pint after.

Today, it's a crucible, with the resident Fulham Football Club already in dire danger of relegation and who need every home point its lads can get.

Hosting Tottenham, then, called for them to take a deep breath, lace up their modern-day boots, and get on with securing a result at all costs.

Dudes almost did it, too, keeping pace with Spurs until stoppage time before falling, 1-2.

 

Despite being without their main man -- inimitable striker Harry Kane -- Mauricio Pochettino's side were dead set on consolidating their hold on third place in the Premiership. 

They surely weren't surprised at Fulham's energy from the outset. Desperation is a sorta adrenaline rush all its own, and it drove the Cottagers to cause an early score.

In the 17th minute, following a Jean Michaël Seri corner, Fernando Llorente -- Kane's replacement -- ended up putting the ball into his own net beyond 'keeper Hugo Lloris:

 

Visions of unicorns and rainbows were surely coming into focus for this club obscured by Chelsea's shadow in more ways than just location.

The gift openr inspired Fulham to earn another, but then they got a harsh reminder that they're Fulham. That's when Ryan Babel had a golden opportunity to advance the cause, but not only did he fire wide, he was offside.

 

After the break, Spurs returned to playing a more aggressive football, and they levelled in the 51st.

Christian Eriksen's perfect cross from the right found Dele Alli in the box, who simply headed home:

 

That game evened the game, but damn.

In basketball terms, this sorta match is supposed to be a layup for a Top Four side.

On the other bench, one precious point seemed to be a good deal for Claudio Ranieri's club. However, in the 94th minute -- referees can be so cruel, sometimes -- Fulham's pursuit of at least a single went the way of the dodo bird.

 

When a hero was needed for the North Londoner, they just happened to have one more Harry to call upon.

Harry Winks stepped up and, after a good cross from substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, dude did the deed:

 

Apparently, it's a good thing to have a full supply of Harrys.

 

Thus, for the 15th time this season, the Cottagers re-discovered what they knew so well.

Close counts in horseshoes and hand grenades ...

 

... but it doesn't mean jack in the Premiership.

In this case, it probably means fast track to the Championship.

It'd still be a good idea for Spurs to find a way to speed up their other Harry's recovery, though.