After a dreadful start to the campaign, it looked for much of Saturday evening that Slaven Bilic’s team could finally have something to cheer about with a victory over their rivals. The final few minutes sent fans from heave to hell though, first with Harry Kane drawing the scores back level, then stealing even a point from West Ham’s grasp, before Winston Reid was sent off.
Darren Randolph – 5
Given a chance ahead of the out of form Adrian, Randolph didn’t show enough to justify his selection. Palming the ball out to Harry Winks to open the scoring for Spurs after the break, he will be lucky to retain his place.
Winston Reid – 6
Probably the pick of the Irons’ defence until his late sending off after picking up two yellow cards in three minutes. That was foolish, but he was solid throughout much of the game and dealt with Harry Kane until the dying moments.
Angelo Ogbonna – 6
Kept Vincent Janssen quiet but did not stand out from the rest of the West Ham defence despite his supposed greater quality.
Cheikhou Kouyate – 6
Still not quite convincing in defence but he did a decent job, trying to handle Harry Kane is never an easy task for even the most experienced of defenders.
Michail Antonio – 8
Added yet another headed goal to his tally as he gave the Hammers the lead in the first half. Antonio bombed down the right and also got back with Danny Rose pushing on.
Pedro Obiang – 6
The Spaniard was efficient, if unremarkable, in midfield. Whilst he struggled to contribute much going forwards, he broke up play well when Spurs broke forwards.
Manuel Lanzini – 8
The creative spark in the West Ham attack, Lanzini coolly slotted home from 12 yards to give his side the lead. Whilst some of the team’s stars are failing to show up this season, the Argentinean is stepping up to the plate.
Dimitri Payet – 7
Payet had moments of brilliance but failed to prove to be decisive at White Hart Lane. The Frenchman’s substitution came minutes before the capitulation that led to defeat, and he had previously been happy to perform defensive duties.
Aaron Cresswell – 7
Cresswell dealt well with Kyle Walker pushing on from right-back and also had licence to burst forward when possible, with some good deliveries into the box.
Andre Ayew – 6
Still building back his match fitness, the Ghanian was playing slightly behind Sakho and struggled to get the service he needed to really trouble the Spurs defence.
Diafra Sakho – 6
Given a second chance by Slaven Bilic, Sakho struggled to impress. He pressed hard and looked to do all he could, though the quality was sadly lacking in attack.
Subs
Simone Zaza (for Sakho, 60) – 6
Cut the same figure that he has throughout much of the season, struggling to have any impact or influence when going forwards.
Edimilson Fernandes (for Ayew, 60) – 6
Struggled to dictate the play from midfield as the Hammers sought to protect their lead.
Haavard Nodtveit (for Payet, 85) – 5
Only a very brief appearance, but his substitution was designed to add defensive strength. In fact, it added the opposite.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Craig Ballantyne.