West Ham 1-0 Spurs: Match report from gripping London derby

West Ham welcomed London rivals Tottenham to the London Stadium for a Friday night football clash under the lights. The Hammers scored a 1-0 victory over Spurs this time last year, all but ending their Premier League title challenge. History certainly repeated itself here.

Like I said in last week’s report, the atmosphere would be phenomenal and Slaven Bilic’s men would rise to the occasion, here is my match report – a very happy one indeed! West Ham finally took on one of the big boys.

Editors note – sorry for the delay, we’re not used to celebrating for that long after a match…

Team Line Up

Adrian in goal, protected by a back three of James Collins, Winston Reid and Jose Fonte. Aaron Cresswell was the left-wing back, with Sam Byram occupying the right side. Captain Mark Noble was back in the heart of the midfield with Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini either side of him. Andre Ayew played just off Jonathan Calleri up front.

First Half

Bubbles was sang loud and clear as the Stadium was rocking.

A nervy opening 20 minutes, as expected really, with a lot at stake in this game. Tottenham had the first chance via their top scorer, Harry Kane, a 20-yard effort was fumbled by Adrian, the ball then found itself back to Kane who was kept out brilliantly by the foot of the Hammers keeper. Since he’s been back, Adrian has looked solid.

A corner followed, and the Spaniard was again called into action, this time a header from Eric Dier was smartly saved. Such chances before would have worried most Hammers fans.

A ball over the top from Noble, towards Lanzini who was in on goal only for Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris to somehow apparently get enough of the ball and avoid being shown a red card – from where I was it looked a clear foul and the Frenchman should have been having an early bath. With Lloris grounded, Kouyate tried a lob into the net but sliced it well wide, the boo’s from around the ground were aimed towards the referee Anthony Taylor. On replay he did get some of the ball, but the challenge was still a wild one.

With 45 minutes on the clock, I must admit Spurs were threatening and looked like grabbing a goal. However West Ham held on and went in at the break 0-0 and still in the game.

Second Half

Just like the first period the game took around 20 minutes to get a clear chance really, and again Spurs had a good effort through Christian Eriksen and then Son, but Adrian was having a superb game in-between the sticks.

65 minutes in and the deadlock was finally broken. It was a fine bit of football from the Hammers as Cresswell broke down the left and whipped a ball dangerously into the box, Bryam and Ayew kept the ball alive as it broke to man of the match Lanzini who lashed home from five yards out.

Spurs looked shaky at the back and Toby Alderweireld made a huge mistake giving the ball away just outside his own box. Calleri took advantage running through on goal but his effort was kept out by Lloris. This was a big chance that should have put us 2-0 and finished the game off.

Player Ratings:

Adrian – 8/10

Recalled to the staring line up and has kept 3 clean sheets in as many games. The Spaniard was excellent and made some match winning saves.

Jose Fonte – 7

He finally seems to be settling in to life in London, the former Southampton captain had a solid game. He looked comfortable on the ball and kept Dele Alli very quite.

Winston Reid – 7

Was a rock at the back and didn’t pull out of one single challenge, hence getting a booking, gave his all. Certainly an all round quality centre back.

James Collins – 7

Won pretty much every aerial challenge and like Reid was strong in the tackle, another top performance from Ginger Pele, who at 33 looks as quality as ever.

Aaron Cresswell – 7

It’s fair to say it’s not been the best season for the left back, but he was back to his best in this match. He was getting down the flank brilliantly and defending just as good when needed. A fight with Masuaku for his place seems to be spurring him on.

Sam Byram – 7

A life long West Ham fan, I was glad he played as he would have known what this type of game means to Hammer’s spectators. Battled well and played one of his best games in a claret and blue shirt. Booked.

Must Read: Lanzini vs Payet

Midfield

Cheikou Kouyate – 8

Senegalese international Cheik was faultless, driving forward when needed and had non-stop work rate all night.

Mark Noble (C) – 8

After a season in which to be fair he’s been slated, myself included at times as he has looked well off the pace, but in this massive derby unsurprisingly Mr. West Ham and club captain Noble was top draw, aggressive tackling and some key passes set the tempo for the team. Booked within the first quarter of an hour.

Manuel Lanzini (MOTM) – 9

Man of the match yet again, a stand out performance like most weeks, the Argentine ran the show in midfield and capped it off the with a well taken goal. Was subbed off to a standing ovation late on. Received a yellow for celebrating with the crowd!

Attack

Andre Ayew – 7

Supported Calleri well going forward, not the best performer on the pitch but gave his all and that’s all supporters ask of their players. Grabbed an Assist for the goal.

Jonathan Calleri – 7

Missed a great chance to put the game to bed, but held the ball up well and in fact had a decent game. After being singled out for recent performances lately the Argentine ran his socks off, so fair play to him.

Substitutes:

Robert Snodgrass – 6

Came on in the 84th minute, done what was needed really, held the ball up and nearly got a great assist for a chance late on.

Ashley Fletcher – 6

The young striker took to the field in the 89th minute, replacing Calleri, looked fresh and ran at the tired Spurs players late on, had a great chance to finish the game off but was kept out by Lloris.

Edimilson Fernandes – 6

A 93rd minute sub on, mainly to give Lanzini the reception he deserved.

Next: Should West Ham look to City striker?

A passionate and hard-fought win for West Ham that now mathematically confirms their Premier League status, even better for Hammer’s is that the victory all but ends Tottenham’s slim title hopes!

From what was looking like a relegation battle – one win and we are now 11th in the table….. football is a funny old game.

Liverpool come to London next Sunday for the last game of the season at home, with the pressure now off and only two games left, we can just sit back and enjoy the rest of the season….at last!!

West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Match report

By Darren Chapman | May 7, 2017