Latest: Fulham 0 Tottenham 0 – Berbatov goes close, Defoe denied

Dimitar Berbatov, restored to the starting line-up by Rene Meulensteen, had two chances to give Fulham a dream start to the new manager’s reign.

During a lively start at Craven Cottage, Jermain Defoe, in the Tottenham starting line-up for only the second time this season, had an early shot from the edge of the penalty area well saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.

Spurs then had to withstand a spell of pressure and their former striker Berbatov, keen to move in January according to his agent, mis-controlled after being put through by Alex Kacaniklic, enabling keeper Hugo Lloris to gather the ball.

Berbatov’s inclusion was one of seven changes made by Meulensteen.

In came the likes of Giorgos Karagounis, who had a stinging shot saved by Lloris, Ashkan Dejagah and Philippe Senderos, while John Arne Riise – an outcast under sacked boss Martin Jol – was given his first start since August.

The new-look team have started well and another opportunity fell to Berbatov when he was found by Pajtim Kasami’s cross, but he was denied at point-blank range by Lloris’ fine save.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Karagounis, Parker, Kasami, Dejagah, Kacaniklic, Berbatov.
Subs: Sidwell, Ruiz, Stockdale, Duff, Taarabt, Zverotic, Boateng.

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