Dempsey denied by crossbar and Gomes

• Independent, Sunday, December 27, 2009 7 AM

Fulham could not repeat its performance of a week ago when it beat Manchester United, 3-0, but its failure to score in a 0-0 tie at home to Tottenham wasn't for a lack of effort.

American Clint Dempsey was denied by the crossbar on a sweetly struck free kick from 30 yards  in the 34th minute. In the second half, Brazilian goalkeeper Gomes made three fine saves in six minutes, twice on shots by Bobby Zamora and the third on a Dempsey shot. A year ago, the gaffe-prone Gomes had handed Fulham the win at Craven Cottage, but his play has improved tremendously since then.

"He was short of confidence when I got here last year and he has improved out of all recognition," said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. "He's showing he's the great goalkeeper people told me he was when he played in Holland."

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