Arsene Wenger critical of Tottenham after West Ham loss

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Arsene Wenger has told BeIN Sports that Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United could affect Spurs’ chances in the Champions League semi-finals.

Michail Antonio’s second-half winner saw Spurs lose their winning streak at the new ground, while Antonio’s effort was the first goal conceded by Mauricio Pochettino’s side since relocating from Wembley.

With two league games to play, Spurs are still very comfortable in third place on 70 points. Chelsea are in fourth on 68, while Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Leicester leaves them in fifth on 66. Manchester United are a point behind Arsenal.

Arsenal legend Wenger believes that if Tottenham had beaten West Ham, they could have rested their best players against Bournemouth to focus on the Champions League – with legs against Ajax on Tuesday and next week.

“It was in their hands. If they had won this game [against West Ham], then they would have been secure,” Wenger said. “It was a huge advantage to have this game, with the Champions League semi-finals.

“They could have rested players between the two Ajax games. Now, they cannot afford to do that. It was a very surprising defeat.”

TBR’s view

Pochettino will have loved to have rest players against West Ham and then Bournemouth. But due to injury and a lack of investment, Spurs lack real depth in their side and it makes rotation particularly difficult.

Yes, the likes of Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier and Ben Davies can come in. But injuries to Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli, Harry Winks and more this season have highlighted a lack of options.

The summer will be key for Pochettino if Spurs are to mount a title challenge but also remain competitive in the other three competitions next season.