Tottenham Overcome Hammers Despite Spirited Fightback

A second-half Hammers fight back was not enough as West Ham lost 3-2 against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium. 

After Harry Kane’s first half double put the visitors in control, and Christian Eriksen added a third, it looked to be an insurmountable task for the Hammers, but goals from Javier Hernandez and Cheikhou Kouyate ensured a box office finish.

Despite late chances and pressure from the home side, Spurs held on, causing a first blip in West Ham’s otherwise unblemished start at home this season.

Marko Arnautovic returned to the starting line-up after his suspension for a straight red card against Southampton, captain Mark Noble also returned to lead the team.

Ben Davies returned to the Spurs line-up with new signings Davinson Sanchez and Serge Aurier settling into the squad.

The turning point came as Michael Antonio was forced off on 27 minutes through injury with Andy Carroll replacing him, which subsequently forced striker Chicharito to play on the right of the midfield. 

Spurs broke the deadlock on 34 minutes as Dele Alli sprung West Ham’s offside trap to play the ball across to Harry Kane, who placed his header in the bottom corner leaving Hart rooted to his line. 

Four minutes later, it was Alli and Kane linking up again to double the lead, as Alli’s shot was saved by Hart but Kane latched onto the rebound placing the ball into an empty net. 

West Ham started the second half better but did not threaten Lloris’ goal and could not make the pressure count as Spurs looked to further their lead. 

Alli was awarded a free kick by referee Michael Oliver, Kane stepped up to take the free kick and rattled the far post, the ball was then recycled out to Eriksen who placed it into Hart’s bottom corner to make it 3-0 Spurs. 

Kane looked to complete his hat-trick as his shot caught Hart by surprise but again he was denied by the Hammers’ post. 

Chicharito gave the Hammers a lifeline as he headed in from close range on 65 minutes, three minutes later he looked to double his tally for the afternoon but could only direct a header from range straight at Lloris. 

Spurs’ new signing Aurier was cautioned on 64 minutes, and six minutes later he was given his second yellow of the afternoon after chopping down Carroll. 

The Hammers used the extra man to their advantage as they looked to cut the deficit further, Chicharito swiveling on the ball and striking an effort straight at Lloris, who parried away. 

Cheikhou Kouyaté managed to break through though, his bullet header beating Lloris to ensure an electric atmosphere at London Stadium in the closing stages.

The Hammers return to London Stadium on Saturday 30 September when they will face Swansea City.