Fulham 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Rene Meulensteen's first game in charge ended in defeat as Spurs came from behind to win a pulsating London derby.

A much-improved Fulham took the lead through Ashkan Dejagah's effort, only for late goals from Vlad Chiriches and Lewis Holtby to hand the visitors a victory that the Cottagers' battling display didn't deserve.

Meulensteen made SEVEN changes from the side that lost to West Ham last time out, with John Arne Riise a surprise starter - his first appearance in the league since August.

Dimitar Berbatov also returned to the side, although the Bulgarian was booed by some fans before the game following reports earlier in the day that he wants to quit the club in January.

Spurs had the first sight of goal when Jermain Defoe was presented with a chance after Fulham gave the ball away cheaply, but fortunately Maarten Stekelenburg got down low to beat away his effort.

Berbatov glanced a header straight at Hugo Lloris, while the frontman squandered a great chance moments later after great work by Alex Kacaniklic.

Giorgos Karagkunis forced a save out of Lloris with one of the Greek's trademark long-rangers, while the Spurs keeper then thwarted Berbatov midway through the half.

The hosts had a let off at the other end when Paulinho should've punished Sascha Riether's error, only to blaze his shot over with the goal at his mercy.

Fulham were given another scare on the half-hour mark when Erik Lamela flashed an effort inches past the post, while the Argentine was denied by the outstretched hand of Stekelenburg minutes later.

Spurs came flying out of the traps in the second half, with Defoe and Sandro having goalbound efforts blocked, while Berbatov hit the side netting for Fulham.

But it was the hosts who broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the interval. Berbatov's perfectly-weighted pass sent Dejagah in the clear, and the Iranian international fired his effort across Lloris into the bottom corner.

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Barclays Premier League
Opener: Dejagah fires Fulham in front

However, the visitors were back on terms midway through the second period with a stunning 30-yard half-volley from Chiriches that flew in off the post.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts on 82 minutes when sub Holtby smashed in an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box that gave Stekelenburg no chance.

Only the fingertips of the Dutchman prevented Paulinho from adding a third when his header was turned just wide.

Sub Bryan Ruiz came close to a leveller within 60 seconds of coming off the bench, only to be denied by Lloris, while Pajtim Kasani hit the post with practically the last kick of the game.

Fulham: Stekelenburg, Riether, Hughes, Senderos, Riise, Kacaniklic (Duff 85), Parker (Ruiz 87), Karagounis (Sidwell 61), Dejagah, Kasami, Berbatov.

Subs (not used): Stockdale, Zverotic, Boateng, Taarabt.