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Hero’s of West Ham: How performing well against Tottenham can fix a lifetime of woes

By Jeremiah Carson

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Carlton Cole of West Ham United celabarates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park on August 23, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Carlton Cole of West Ham United celabarates scoring against Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park on August 23, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images) /
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There is a lot to be said about this weekends London Derby as West Ham face off against Tottenham and one thing is for certain, play well against Spurs and you can be a Hammers hero for life.

In recent years names like Ravel Morrison, Carlton Cole,  and Michail Antonio all have made major impressions in this derby match. One of these recent West Ham heroes made a statement with the official club media to talk just about this very topic.

Carlton Cole, now working with the club, reminisced a bit on his debut against Tottenham and how that match changed his status in the hearts of West Ham fans for eternity. He opened up by saying “when I first joined West Ham, I got told by both the players and the fans that this was a massive game for us to win.”

He went on to say,

"“there’s no hiding that there’s a general dislike of Tottenham by West Ham fans! I didn’t really know the magnitude of this London derby until I was involved myself, but for both sets of fans, it’s massive. If you win these sorts of games, score a goal or help your team, you can make yourself a cult hero overnight.”"

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As history would tell it in that match Cole went on to score literally seconds into the match, which was his first competitive match against Spurs, cementing his legacy right from the word go. He went on to say about the fans, “as long as the players put in 100% effort, the fans will be the 12th man.”

That last statement speaks a lot of truth for the current state of the Hammers and some of the past. Looking back at the past and Ravel Morrison it’s easy to see exactly what the former Hammers legend meant.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Ravel Morrison of West Ham (3L) is congratulated by team mates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on October 6, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Ravel Morrison of West Ham (3L) is congratulated by team mates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on October 6, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

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In a matter of 9 seconds and about 59 yards later, Morrison made his mark that literally has never left him or West Ham. Even though the young prodigy lost his spark and was sent away from East London many fans would take him back solely based on this one moment.

Going back to just last year and Michail Antonio, you will see somewhat of a similar storyline. The once former England international was having another up and down season but was pulling his signature move of finishing out the season strongly.

With one stroke of the ball, Antonio not only scored against Spurs, but he scored the first goal in their new stadium as well as handing them their first loss in the new venue. If he wasn’t already, Michail Antonio made himself a cult hero just like that.

In both previous instances and many others, you will see players that gave their all for the club against a heated rival that turned not only the team’s fortunes around but their own as well. Fast-forwarding to now, this is exactly what is needed for the players, the club, and the fans alike.

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It is true what was said, no matter how bad times are and no matter how badly the Hammers might be playing, it can all change in one instance. The Hammers have that opportunity this weekend and possibly have a new hero in the making if it can all go right on Saturday afternoon. Until then, COME ON YOU IRONS!