Tim Sherwood does not care if Tottenham Hotspur concede another three goals on Saturday as long as they outscore embattled Fulham.
If the successor to Andre Villas-Boas departs in the summer, one of the hallmarks of his stay will be the poor manner in which Spurs have started matches, epitomised last weekend when they conceded three goals in 31 minutes but fought back for a 3-3 draw at West Bromwich Albion. Sherwood has vowed to improve his players' sluggish starts.
“We hope they come flying out of the blocks and we score more than them, because it is still three points,” the coach said ahead of Fulham’s visit. “We don’t want to do what we did against West Brom, but if we have to score four and they score three, I’m happy.”
He knows Fulham are desperate to avoid relegation.
“They’ve got themselves into that situation because they haven’t been great and that’s the bottom line. The league doesn’t lie after 38 games and where you are is where you deserve to be.
“We’re going to be professional and we’re going to try to go there and entertain our fans, and we’re going to attack. That’s what we’ve done ever since I’ve come to the club and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
Mousa Dembele’s return from a hip complaint is some good news on the injury front for Spurs. Defenders Jan Vertonghen, Kyle Walker and Michael Dawson remain absent, as do the summer signings Erik Lamela, Roberto Soldado and Etienne Capoue.
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