Full Time: West Ham United 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur
A ten-man Tottenham Hotspur survived a late onslaught from West Ham United to emerge 3-2 winners at the London Stadium, in game-week 6 of the Premier League on Saturday.
After an edgy start to the game, Spurs were up and running in the 34th minute, as Harry Kane brilliantly headed home a Dele Alli cross. The two were involved again four minutes later, as Alli had a shot saved by Joe Hart in the Hammers’ goal, only for Kane to bundle the ball home into an empty net from the rebound.
Christian Eriksen then made it three for the Lilywhites, with a splendid strike from the edge of the penalty box at the hour mark, after Kane had hit the post from a set-piece. Javier Hernandez then pulled one back for the home team from close range in the 65th minute.
Five minutes later, Serge Aurier was sent off, leaving Tottenham to play with ten men for 20 minutes. West Ham used the advantage to make it 3-2 through Cheikhou Kouyate’s brilliant header. However, the visitors managed to hold on to their slender advantage to come away with three points.
Here’s how the Lilywhites fared on the day:
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Hugo Lloris – 6.5/10
Charged out well in a dangerous situation early on. Brilliant punch to deny Hernandez. Dealt well with a cross late on in the game.
Toby Alderweireld – 7/10
Not his best game. Was beaten by Marko Arnautovic in the first-half, but was bailed out by Aurier. Did get caught out of position once, when Hernandez headed straight to Lloris. But apart from that he marshalled the defence fairly well.
Davinson Sanchez – 7/10
Important block early on. A much-improved display compared to the one against Swansea, going toe to toe against the physical Andy Carroll.
Jan Vertonghen – 8/10
Great run forward and a lovely pass to Alli for the second goal. Was inarguably the most solid of the Spurs defender, thwarting everything that came down from the left-hand side.
Serge Aurier – 6.5/10
Made a brilliant recovery tackle on Marko Arnautovic in the first-half. Made another of those on the verge of half-time. His cross deflected into Eriksen’s path for the third. Was booked for an accumulation of fouls. Was sent off in the 70th minute for a second yellow.
Eric Dier – 7/10
Anchored the midfield well, without doing anything eye-catching. Solid.
Moussa Sissoko – 7/10
Getting better with each passing game. Linked up well with Aurier down the right, and fashioned a chance for Eriksen in the first period.
Ben Davies – 6/10
Played high up the pitch for most periods, but wasn’t much of a threat going forward. Fired wide late on.
Christian Eriksen – 8/10
Picked out Alli in the lead up to the opener. Brilliant strike from the edge of the box to make it 3-0. Was a constant danger, but was taken off after Aurier’s sending off.
Dele Alli – 7/10
Good cross for Kane to pounce upon for the opener. Forced Hart into a save that was parried to Kane for the second. Should have made it four in the second period, but missed a couple of promising opportunities that one would back him to bury home with ease.
Harry Kane – 9/10
Was on the fringes until the goal, but headed exceptionally well to hand his team the lead. Reacted well and held his composure for the second goal. Hit the bottom of the post from a free-kick in the second period, before Hart tipped another of his shot on to the post soon after.
Substitutes
Harry Winks – 6/10
Replaced Eriksen for the final 15 minutes. Was vital in holding off West Ham late on.
Kieran Tripper – 5/10
Came on for Sissoko to slot in at the vacant right-back slot. Booked. Second goal for the Hammers came from his side.
Fernando Llorente – N/A
Replaced Kane late in the game. Booked for getting into a brawl with Winston Reid.