After Newcastle were defeated by Liverpool on Saturday, Spurs had a shot at entering the lucrative top four as they hosted a struggling West Ham. Two straight defeats meant that this was not to be an easy feat.
Harry Kane led the team out to a stunning tifo in the South Stand with his two daughters in each hand after receiving a trophy from the club after become the record goal-scorer. A perfect sight before a big London derby.
It seems when Cristian Stellini is in the dugout that Tottenham are vastly improved at the minute. Antonio Conte was in the dugout for Milan and Leicester which were both their previous defeats, whereas Tottenham’s last win before this weekend was Manchester City where Stellini was also successful.
Tottenham have been slow starters for the majority of games this season and this game was no different. The early Jarrod Bowen volley was probably the closest the Hammers came to knocking it past Forster all game, but was certainly the early scare that worried the team.
The first half was mostly uneventful apart from a penalty claim (which was blatant), but Harry Kane was offside in the build-up. Cristian Romero came close with a header and Richarlison had a tricky side volley denied by Fabianski.
It does feel this season as if Tottenham are not well tasked at finding solutions on the pitch and typically require guidance from the manager and coaches. Spurs came out with more aggressiveness, and a stronger press on West Ham’s wingbacks which gave Spurs a greater amount of chances.
Before the opening goal came, a few chances were squandered, such as a Richarlison chance on the edge of the box and a Harry Kane scuffed volley, which truthfully should have reached the target.
The decision to start Ben Davies as a wingback was viewed as bizarre, but the Welshman was fantastic last night. His intelligence saw him get in behind of the West Ham defence after a fantastic line-cutting through-ball by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Davies then provided a pass for Emerson Royal, who slotted it in.
Royal is in majestic form for Tottenham, who is pushing Pedro Porro further out the side after each game. His defensive abilities have been accentuated in the last few games, but to add offensively only keeps him in the side for longer.
Unquestionably, West Ham seemed to collapse after the first goal. To analyse their problem is that they are lacking fight. To have players such as Lucas Paqueta, Declan Rice and Nayef Aguerd and to potentially be relegated is shocking. Surely David Moyes is sacked if the results do not pick up immediately.
Spurs were patient in waiting for the second goal, and that eventually came from a substitute. Heung-Min Son has been fantastic off the bench this season, with only one of his five Premier League goals coming from him starting.
Harry Kane bullied Ogbonna for the second goal and played a fantastically weighted ball to the South Korean, who was inevitably going to finish the one-on-one despite his poor form this season. It begs a question whether Son should remain substitute as he is more effective off the bench. He stretches tired defences and could help Spurs when they appear flat.
Spurs had some notably superb performances today; Cristian Romero’s defensive timing was immaculate, Skipp was composed and Eric Dier was without mistakes. Stellini chose a perfect line-up and took guidance from Conte by text which guided Spurs to victory.
The victory elevated them above Newcastle into the top four, but next weekend’s game against Chelsea is vital for the ambitions to retain Champions League football. Chelsea will be up for it and Spurs will have to be at their almighty best to win next weekend.
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