Final Score: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 West Ham United
Two breathtaking strikes from Pedro Obiang and Heung-Min Son concluded the cagy London derby in a 1-1 stalemate. The first half barely had anything to report about apart from a few outstanding blocks and saves. The Irons stuck to their markers, defended tirelessly and rode on their rare chances. David Moyes’ tactics are certainly reflecting on the results of late as they are bagging crucial points, just like the one they did here. They have moved up to 15th place now.
West Ham Player Ratings
Adrian: 8/10
The shot-stopper made a fabulous save off Eriksen along with a couple of other saves to deny Harry Kane and Son. He could do nothing about the South Korean’s screamer.
Winston Reid: 7/10
Very composed at the back, soaked in all the pressure that came towards him from the quick feet of Alli and Son. He also made one outstanding stop of an Alli strike.
Angelo Ogbonna: 7.5/10
He kept the right flank quiet for Spurs, marked his opponents well and forced them to play early passes, which mostly led to loss in possession. A solid performance.
Declan Rice: 8/10
He showed a lot of maturity and equanimity at the back. He held off Aurier and won the aerial balls effortlessly, which is quite spectacular for an 18-year-old.
Pablo Zabaleta: 5/10
He was often beaten by the pace of Aurier and couldn’t really block every cross that was delivered from his side. What was he thinking when he pulled Kane inside the box? Also to add, he kept out a Harry Kane shot, which was a saviour-block.
Arthur Masuaku: 6.5/10
An inconsistent performance which included giving away of possession, poor crossing, glimpses of fine dribbling, clearing his lines and defending deep.
Cheikhou Kouyate: 7/10
Made the odd run forward to add more to the attack but most of his outing was at the back, where he used his strength against players next to his shoulder. Was neat.
Pedro Obiang: 9/10
Forget everything else he did on the football pitch last night; that strike was just perfect technique, heads down on the ball, sweetly struck and surely a goal of the season contender. Even Son, his counterpart who levelled the score with an absolute belter, claimed that Obiang’s goal was better.
Mark Noble: 7/10
Very hard working, committed and effective in his tackling and pressing. At times, according to his manager’s instructions, he held a deep line and tidied up things.
Manuel Lanzini: 4.5/10
Just not good enough with his creativity or while carrying the ball forward. He was outplayed by a quality midfield. It almost looked like he had no answers beyond a point.
Javier Hernandez: 4/10
Very isolated, barely had a touch on the ball in the first half. West Ham didn’t really produce the deliveries for him to attack either. To sum it all up, one of the quietest outings for him this season.
Substitutes
Andre Ayew: 6/10
He put in the hard work, energy and offered more mobility and pace over Chicharito. Should have scored late on though, which could have given his side a massive three points.
Andy Carroll: N/A
Replaced Lanzini in the 85th minute.