Spurs wreck West Ham in dominant second-half display
A stunning second-half-display saw Spurs run out dominant Premier League champions over local rivals West Ham in north London.
Tottenham produced a spectacular second-half performance to secure a commanding victory over local rivals West Ham in a Premier League clash in north London.
The 4-1 win was a statement from Spurs, who bounced back after conceding the opening goal in the 18th minute, courtesy of Mohammed Kudus, who turned in a cross from Jarrod Bowen.
Kulusevski Levels the Score
Dejan Kulusevski found the net in the 36th minute, equalizing with a shot that struck both posts before going in. Spurs had dominated the first half, but it was after the break that they truly took control of the game.
A tactical substitution saw James Maddison replaced by Pape Matar Sarr, which shifted the momentum further in Tottenham’s favor.
Spurs Take Over in the Second Half
Just seven minutes into the second half, Yves Bissouma finished a Destiny Udogie cutback, giving Spurs the lead. From there, Tottenham were relentless. Son Heung-min’s shot was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but the ball deflected off Jean-Clair Todibo and into the net for an own goal.
Son added a fourth, pouncing on a loose ball after West Ham’s failed clearance. He nearly scored again moments later, hitting the post after another quick turnover by the Hammers.
Kudus Sees Red as West Ham Crumble
West Ham’s afternoon went from bad to worse when Kudus was sent off in the 86th minute for violent conduct.
After a heated exchange that saw him push both Sarr and Micky van de Ven, VAR intervened, leading to a straight red card. Kudus had been West Ham’s standout player, but his dismissal compounded the team’s struggles.
Kulusevski Shines for Spurs
Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski continues to grow in influence, delivering a crucial equalizer and proving to be one of Spurs’ key players this season. His physicality, technical ability, and tactical awareness have made him a regular starter, and his impact on the match was clear.
West Ham’s Growing Pains Under Lopetegui
West Ham, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, are struggling to transition from David Moyes’ counter-attacking style to a more possession-based approach.
The Hammers were outplayed and committed several costly errors, particularly when attempting to play out from the back.
Goalkeeper Areola’s poor distribution and a midfield overwhelmed by Spurs’ press highlighted their issues. While Bowen and Kudus showed glimpses of danger, the Hammers were ultimately well-beaten, and the 4-1 scoreline may have even flattered them
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The defeat leaves West Ham with more questions as they adapt to Lopetegui’s system, while Tottenham will take confidence from their dominant display.