Tottenham Hotspur Players Rated And Slated In Their Disappointing Defeat Vs West Ham United

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 were eyeing a finish in top half of league table and end their campaign on a high, grabbing maximum points from three remaining fixtures. However, the Hammers had the last laugh from this encounter as they ended Spurs’ title hopes by defeating them 1-0 banking on Manuel Lanzini’s second half strike.

Tottenham Hotspur Players Rated And Slated In Their Disappointing Defeat Vs West Ham United

Hugo Lloris: 6.5

Made a smart stop in the first half to deny Manuel Lanzini. Could not prevent the Argentine in the second half from scoring. Pulled off a couple of decent saves to deny Jonathan Calleri from 7 yards out and Ashley Fletcher from close range towards the closing minutes to avoid further humiliation.

Kyle Walker: 4.5

The fullback had a disappointing outing as he was late with his tackles, lacked accuracy while passing and crossing the ball, also, could not provide much support for his attackers down the right-hand flank. Was taken off to be replaced by Kieran Trippier towards the end.

Toby Alderweireld: 5.5

The Belgian looked solid in first half as he made a number of successful forwards passes as well as blocks and interceptions. Had an annoying second half with a few clumsy fouls and found it hard to contain the likes of Lanzini, Ayew and Calleri. Made a howler as he gave the ball away to Calleri in a dangerous position, but the Argentine was spectacularly denied by Spurs custodian Lloris.

Jan Vertonghen: 5.5

Vertonghen, too, looked nervy at times and should have done better defensively when West Ham scored the only goal of the game. Was taken off to be replaced by Moussa Dembele after conceding.

Ben Davies: 6

Had a quiet evening and he could not create much trouble from the left-hand flank as his runs and crosses lacked creativity.

Victor Wanyama: 5.5

The Kenyan international tried to keep control of midfield with his combative display and box to box runs during first 45 minutes of the game. But an unsatisfactory second half forced Mauricio Pochettino to take him off and bring on Vincent Janssen in search of an equaliser.

Eric Dier: 5

Sloppy at times and lost possession in midfield. Struggled against Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyaté in the middle of the park.

Christian Eriksen: 6.5

The Danish international had a quiet first half. However, he was the only Spurs outfield player with intent to alter the scoreline as he came close to score in second half, also delivered a few key passes for the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son upfront which were saved by the hammers custodian Adrian.

Dele Alli: 5

The exciting English youngster had a quiet outing as he failed to deliver his mastery and struggled to engage himself into the game.

Heung-min Son: 5.5

Son used the left flank well with a few direct runs and tested the keeper with a low strike which was saved efficiently by Adrian.

Harry Kane: 5.5

Came close to hit the target in the first half from 15 yards out, but the hammers custodian Adrian made a massive stop to deny the Englishman. Was well contained by disciplined West Ham back-line otherwise.

Substitutes

Moussa Dembele: 5

Came in place of Vertonghen. Held the ball well in midfield during closing minutes to constitute attacks from the middle of the park. But he could not influence his side to upturn the scoreline.

Vincent Janssen: 5

Made a few decent runs in West Ham’s box. Failed to make any noteworthy contribution though.

Kieran Trippier: 5

Played in an advance role to form late attacks. Was booked for a foul on Ashley Fletcher in added time.