Tottenham Hotspur’s Friday night fixture against London rivals West Ham United at London Stadium was a massive outing in the context of Premier League’s title race. They had a chance to close the gap with league leaders Chelsea and put them under pressure prior to the Blues’ Monday night clash against relegation-threatened Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.
The Hammers, on the other hand, are having a massively disappointing campaign under Slaven Bilic who had a successful maiden Premier League season last year. With 39 points from 35 games, West Ham United were eyeing a finish in top half of league table and end their campaign on a high, grabbing maximum points from the three remaining fixtures. However, the Hammers had the last laugh from this encounter as they end Spurs’ title hopes by defeating them 1-0 banking on Manuel Lanzini’s second half strike.
West Ham United Players Rated And Slated From Their Massive Win Against Tottenham Hotspur
Adrian: 8.5
Top-notch performance from the Hammers custodian who made a number of decisive stops in both halves and led his side to keep a clean-sheet against high-scoring Spurs.
Jose Fonte: 8
The veteran Portuguese international pulled off a few determining blocks, tackles and interceptions to help his side register a massive win against their London rivals.
Winston Reid: 7
Was cautioned by the referee in the first half as he wrongly brought Wanyama down. He was solid otherwise in the middle of West Ham’s three-man backline.
James Collins: 7
Was confident with his tackling and decent with positioning and aerial presence. Did well to contain the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane.
Sam Byram: 6.5
Kept on making forward runs and whipped in crosses inside Spurs’ penalty box.
Aaron Cresswell: 7.5
Had a major influence in Lanzini’s goal as his cross from the left-hand flank was not dealt well by Spurs backline that eventually resulted in a goal.
Cheikhou Kouyaté: 7.5
Kept control of the midfield with his physicality, combativeness and box-to-box runs. Was also an aerial threat from the Hammers’ set-pieces.
Mark Noble: 7
The skipper ran tirelessly and controlled the game from the middle of the park.
Andre Ayew: 7
Impressed with his movements and linked up well with Lanzini and Calleri upfront. Credited with the assist for the goal as he knocked the ball into the path of Lanzini to open the scoring. Was replaced by Robert Snodgrass towards the end.
Manuel Lanzini: 8.5
The Argentine professional not only scored the only goal of the game but also kept Spurs’ back-line on toes with his smart movements upfront. He smashed the ball into the back of the net from six yards out to give West Ham the lead at around 65th-minute mark. Was replaced by Edimilson Fernandes in added time.
Jonathan Calleri: 6.5
Came close to mark his name in score-sheet but was spectacularly denied by Hugo Lloris from close range. Was taken off to be replaced by Ashley Fletcher towards the end.
Substitutes
Robert Snodgrass: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ashley Fletcher: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Edimilson Fernandes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
