MATCH REPORT // HAMMERS LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES AS SPURS FINISH VICTORIOUS

By Daniel Mcinally

A goal from Erik Lamela just before the half-time whistle proved decisive as Spurs edged out West Ham in a tightly contested fixture at London Stadium. 

West Ham's best chances both fell to Marko Arnautovic, the Austrian’s header in the second half was expertly saved by Hugo Lloris who palmed it over the bar. On the hour mark, Arnautovic’s second effort was again saved, this time the French keeper diving low to push his effort out for a corner. 

Spurs started the better of the two sides, and on the second minute had their first chance of the game Harry Kane played in Erik Lamela, his effort, however, went wide of Fabianski’s post. 

Both teams struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half, Moussa Sissoko wasted the best chance of the half. Lucas Moura was able to cross to an unmarked Sissoko on the edge of the box, the French midfielder’s effort deflected off a West Ham body and went inches over the bar.

West Ham were dealt a big blow towards the end of the half as star man Andriy Yarmolenko needed to be stretchered off following an awkward fall, Grady Diangana was brought on to replace him. 

on the 44th minute, Spurs took the lead, Sissoko floated an inviting ball into the box, which was met by Lamela, who converted to give Pochettino’s men the lead. It could have been much worse for the Hammers had it not been for some wonderful keeping from Fabianski, first to palm away a dangerous cross, then to save Sissoko’s rebound. 

West Ham dominated the second half and had it not been for some brilliant keeping from Spurs captain Hugo Lloris West Ham would have equalised. 

On the 84th minute, West Ham thought they’d equalised, a brilliant give and go between Arnautovic and Hernandez was rounded off with the Mexican putting the ball in the net, however, the assistant referee blew as Arnautovic was adjudged to be offside. 

West Ham continued to pile on the pressure and in stoppage time Arnautovic had another chance to equalise, but for the third time was thwarted by Lloris who got down low to deny the one on one. As the final whistle loomed Antonio fired West Hams final chance inches over the bar. 

A disappointing day as West Ham will have felt they deserved at least a point from the pattern of play, especially from the second half performance which the home side dominated.