Tottenham Hotspur kept their slim hopes of Champions League qualification alive on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 victory at home to Fulham.

Paulinho gave the hosts the lead on 34 minutes, but Steve Sidwell equalised for the visitors just two minutes later to see the teams go in all square at half time.

Harry Kane then restored Spurs' advantage at the start of the second half before Younes Kaboul made it 3-1 on the hour.

Fulham had the chance to score a second goal with 15 minutes left, only for Sidwell to see his penalty saved by Hugo Lloris following Christian Eriksen's handball.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two London sides at White Hart Lane.

Match statistics

Spurs
Shots: 14
On target: 5
Possession: 62%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 8

Fulham
Shots: 11
On target: 4
Possession: 38%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

While this was not one of Spurs' best displays, Tim Sherwood's side deserved to come away with the points. It was an even contest during the first half as Fulham gave as good as they got, but the hosts turned the screw after the break to seal the win.

Spurs' performance

The hosts struggled for inspiration in the opening 45 minutes, probing away at a disciplined Fulham with no real effect. They certainly had enough of the ball, but a lack of creativity in the final third saw them look toothless. That all changed in the second half when Harry Kane gave them the initiative in the first couple of minutes. From there, Spurs took control of the match and made life difficult for the visitors with a high-pressing game. They did not always look solid in defence, but it was up front where they did what they needed to get the points.

Fulham's performance

The Cottagers gave a good account of themselves in the first half as they stayed organised and played with the kind of urgency that restricted Spurs. They reacted well to going behind by equalising almost instantly, and it was difficult to say that Felix Magath's side did not deserve their goal at that point. It was only in the second half that they found it hard to keep up with an improved Spurs. Had Steve Sidwell converted his penalty on 75 minutes then there could have been a different outcome, but it was not to be for the plucky visitors.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Christian Eriksen: The clever Dane was yet again Spurs' most illuminating player, using his vision and technical ability to be the crux of the home side's attacks. His two deliveries to set up Paulinho and Kaboul were impossible to defend for Fulham.

Biggest gaffe

Steve Sidwell will be eager to forget his penalty miss after directing his effort straight at Hugo Lloris. The midfielder had the chance to get Fulham right back in the match with 15 minutes left to play, but his attempt was woefully impotent.

Referee performance

Lee Probert's lenient style allowed the game to be played with a decent flow. The official was not called upon to make any tricky decisions, though he was correct in giving Fulham their penalty late on following Eriksen's handball.

What next?

Spurs: Tottenham return to action next Saturday when they travel to Stoke City in the Premier League.

Fulham: The Cottagers continue their battle for Premier League survival next Saturday at home to Hull City.