Spurs held by in-form Fulham

Redknapp's side would have gone above fourth-placed Aston Villa with a victory, but were forced to settle for a point that left them fifth.

Tottenham missed a chance to move into the top four as Fulham dominated Saturday's 0-0 draw between the London rivals at Craven Cottage.

Harry Redknapp's side would have gone above fourth-placed Aston Villa with a victory, but were forced to settle for a point that left them in fifth.

Redknapp opted to drop England striker Jermain Defoe to the bench as captain Robbie Keane partnered Peter Crouch in attack, while Ledley King and Luka Modric were among the Spurs substitutes after recovering from injury.

Fulham were unchanged following their 3-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday and they started brightly with Damien Duff testing Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes in the opening moments.

Gomes was called into action again to keep out Zoltan Gera's back-heel, then dived at full-stretch to push a shot from Danny Murphy over the crossbar.

Fulham could have taken the lead in the 24th minute when Bobby Zamora set up Clint Dempsey, only for the American midfielder to drag a fine chance wide.

Dempsey came closest in the first half with a fierce long-range free-kick that hit the crossbar.

Tottenham were struggling to find any momentum, although they briefly threatened when Jermaine Jenas shot wide early in the second half.

But Tottenham's desperation for a spark was summed up when Niko Kranjcar optimistically appealed for a penalty when he was tackled by Gera.

Dempsey should have done better than shoot straight at Gomes as the Cottagers carved through Tottenham's defence again, then Zamora was denied by Gomes.

Defoe, who had replaced Keane, stabbed over the crossbar in the closing stages.

Fulham had to rely on Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to preserve the point they deserved as Peter Crouch and Jenas went close.

There was still time for one last piece of drama as Duff ran clear but the Republic of Ireland winger shot across the face of goal.