Tottenham did not allow another episode of the “Brighton case!” After playing the worst second half against the Seagulls, Ange Postecoglou’s boys displayed the best one, crushing West Ham after 1-1 at the break. The Hammers even took the lead through Mohammed Kudus in the 18th minute, while Dejan Kulusevski equalized nine minutes before the break. However, nothing indicated the Spurs’ blitzkrieg and three goals between the 52nd and 60th minute thanks to Yves Bissouma, Jean-Clair Todibo (who netted an own goal), and the skipper Heung Son-min – 4-1.Tottenham have recorded their biggest win over West Ham across any competition since November 2015 under Mauricio Pochettino (also 4-1). The perfect way to bounce back after the Brighton defeat. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/MyoN95CnYo— Squawka (@Squawka) October 19, 2024 The captain Son Heung-min’s return to the team undoubtedly represented a confidence boost for Tottenham ahead of the London derby against West Ham, especially after their worst half ever, as Ange Postecoglou called the second period of the last round’s game against Brighton.Apart from the Korean, Yves Bissouma was also back in the Spurs lineup, while the Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui opted for the same XI as in the 4-1 triumph over Ipswich two weeks ago. Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek were in charge of midfield, whereas Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Mohammed Kudus supported the sole centre-forward Michail Antonio.Victor Wanyama opens up on his biggest career regret at Tottenham HotspurDespite Tottenham’s initial pressure, West Ham had the first massive chance 11 minutes into the game. Bowen crossed it ideally from the right flank, finding Kudus in the box, whose powerful first-touch attempt Guglielmo Vicario superbly stopped. However, eight minutes later, the Ghanaian did not fail! We’ve seen the exact same action as the previous one – Bowen crossed it for Kudus on the far post, and the 24-year-old sent it home for 1-0!Lopetegui’s men knew which Spurs’ flaws they wanted to use – concretely, Destiny Udogie’s defensive weakness, especially when pressured by Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. On the other hand, Tottenham’s attacks mainly ended in corner kicks or long-range efforts by Son and Brennan Johnson. The Welshman missed the first Tottenham’s colossal chance in the 28th minute, sending a header wide of the right post from five metres away.However, what he failed to do, Dejan Kulusevski managed in the 36th minute with a precise left-foot effort from the edge of the box – 1-1! That moment concluded the first period, which was full of fast-paced and dynamic football and a quality display from both teams.Postecoglou sprung a surprise during the break, leaving James Maddison in the locker room and replacing him with Pape Matar Sarr. However, it turned out to be a fantastic decision, given that Tottenham netted twice in only three minutes (between 52nd and 55th)! Bissouma first used Udogie’s cross to bring the Spurs the lead and then three minutes later, the ball somewhat unfortunately deflected off Jean-Clair Todibo after Son’s attempt for 3-1!Only seven minutes later, it was already 4-1 as the captain had to send it home himself! Son ended quick Spurs’ fastbreak with a terrific one-on-one move past Todibo and a quality finish! A minute later, the Korean could have made it five, but the post stopped him! Lopetegui reacted with a triple sub, replacing Paqueta, Antonio, and Soucek with Edson Alvarez, Crysencio Summerville, and Carlos Soler, though it seemed to have been too late.Yet, Tottenham’s attack kept coming as Son, Dominic Solanke, and Johnson threatened several more times in short span. Realizing what a catastrophe is upon his team, Lopetegui subbed Konstantinos Mavropanos in to strengthen his defence to prevent a complete disaster and embarrassment. West Ham players, especially Kudus, lost their nerves after being seriously thrashed. The Ghanaian got into a fight with Micky van de Ven and hit him in the face, receiving a red card for violent conduct five minutes before the end.This triumph – at least temporarily – moved Tottenham to the sixth spot, while West Ham remained closer to the relegation battle than to competing for European qualifiers. In the next round, the Spurs face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and the Hammers host Man United. In the meantime, Tottenham play AZ Alkmaar at home in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 8SaturdayTottenham – West Ham 4-1 (1-1)/Kulusevski 36, Bissouma 52, Todibo 55 og, Son 60 – Kudus 18/17:00: (2.45) Fulham (3.40) Aston Villa (2.85)17:00: (2.45) Ipswich (3.50) Everton (3.05)17:00: (1.75) Man.Utd. (3.80) Brentford (4.60)17:00: (2.00) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (3.70)17:00: (2.40) Southampton (3.55) Leicester (3.05)19:30: (5.30) Bournemouth (3.60) Arsenal (1.70)Sunday16:00: (8.00) Wolverhampton (5.30) Man.City (1.35)18:30: (1.70) Liverpool (4.10) Chelsea (5.20)Monday22:00: (2.30) Nott.Forest (3.30) Crystal Palace (3.20)***odds are subject to change***
