West Ham troubles could continue when they play a Tottenham side that is hoping to break their stalemate jinx come matchday 12 on Saturday.
On paper, both sides are almost comparable given that they finished close to each other on the log last term and have quality players.
However, while Spurs have maintained their form, currently sitting 5th having placed 3rd last time, West Ham are wallowing far down in 17th – a far cry from the 7th position they finished in last season.
The 2 still boast of great players, though, and here is how their best players lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
GK – Lloris
The France international has been in sublime form in between the sticks this term, keeping 4 clean sheets and making saves after saves.
Spurs keeper definitely outshines his West Ham counterpart Adrian, who hasn’t been so great this term, though his defence hasn’t helped much.
The Spaniard also cost the Hammers 2 points against Stoke City by committing an error that gifted Bojan a late equaliser.
LB – Rose
The English full-back has also excelled in a wing back role this term, and while the West Ham captain Aaron Cresswell has a lot of experience as an advantage, his quality doesn’t match Rose’s who combines an equal topnotch level of defending and attacking.
CB – Vertonghen
The Belgian veteran has made the most clearances this season (107), has the highest aerial duel win ratio (72%) of any central defender and has helped Tottenham keep 5 clean sheets.
He is light years ahead of West Ham’s Winston Reid who has been nothing but underwhelming thus far.
CB – Ogbonna
If Toby Alderweireld was fit, he sure would make this list, but with him still not in contention for selection come weekend, Hammer’s Angelo makes the cut.
Even though 13 goals have been conceded with him in the starting lineup, that is partly down to a weakened midfield. In his 8 appearances, he has won 8 tackles, made 26 interceptions, 36 clearances and 5 blocks.
RB – Walker
Kyle was withdrawn against Arsenal due to a knock but has since regained full fitness and is set to give Cresswell a tough day on the flank.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form at the back and also keeps providing attacking strength. He has helped the Tottenham with 5 clean sheets and assisted 2 goals.
CM – Dembele
Mark Noble doesn’t near the brilliance and the excellent capability of Dembele.
Despite making just 5 appearances compared to the English’s 11, the Belgian has more pass accuracy, more aerial duels win ratio and has been better overall.
CM – Wanyama
The Kenya international beats his African colleague and Senegal international Kouyate, hands down.
While the Hammers midfielder has failed to improve on his exploits of last season, the former Southampton star has continued to grow into a better defensive midfielder despite the change of environment and in face of fierce competition.
AML – Payet
Payet’s brilliance has seen him retain his splendid form of last season. He has created 40 chances and scored a goal in 9 league fixtures this season.
Tottenham’s wing duo of Eriksen and Lamela have been below par this term, and haven’t done anything worthwhile to deserve being mentioned in the same sentence as the French star.
AMC – Son
September’s player of the month nominee has slowly settled into Tottenham’s starting lineup following a debut season met with mixed reactions.
He has 4 goals and 2 assists thus far and continues to establish himself as a starter with every game.
While Lanzini has also been brilliant for West Ham with 2 goals to his name, Son have just shone better and deserves this spot.
AMR – Antonio
The English player was deployed in right back last season as a makeshift but has been returned to midfield, and has weighed in 5 goals.
No Tottenham winger has more, and he is better than any of them at the moment.
CF – Kane
West Ham’s striking duo of Sakho and Carroll have been out injured for months now, and Bilic acquired Zaza and Calleri over the summer. Both are turning out to be panic buys.
However, even on their day, the quartet can’t compare to Kane’s lethargy in the final third. Having been restricted to just 6 league appearances, last season’s golden boot winner has notched just thrice this term, and is still better than West Ham’s marksmen.