Tottenham Hotspur stormed back from an early setback to secure a resounding 4-1 victory over West Ham United, showcasing creativity and firepower while exposing their opponents’ defensive shortcomings. Ange Postecoglou’s side delivered a masterclass in attack, dismantling West Ham with three quick second-half goals that highlighted the growing tactical concerns surrounding Julen Lopetegui’s reign.
Early Promise for West Ham
The game began with optimism for West Ham, as Mohammed Kudus gave them an 18th-minute lead. A well-orchestrated move saw Jarrod Bowen slice through Tottenham’s defense, with Kudus converting the second chance after his initial shot was blocked by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. However, despite the promising start, West Ham’s fragility became evident.
Their midfield and defensive lines, lacking cohesion, struggled to maintain their shape against Tottenham’s relentless pressing. Spurs, intent on bouncing back from their recent collapse against Brighton, showed their intent early with Brennan Johnson and Heung-Min Son testing the visitors’ defense.
Tottenham’s Response and Tactical Switch
The turning point came shortly before halftime when Postecoglou substituted James Maddison for Pape Matar Sarr, injecting more energy into Tottenham’s midfield. Sarr’s presence allowed Spurs to match West Ham’s physicality, giving the hosts the platform to control the game.
As the second half began, Spurs raised the tempo, and West Ham’s disorganized defense began to crumble. Dejan Kulusevski was instrumental in Tottenham’s comeback, weaving through defenders and causing havoc with his movement. In the 36th minute, Kulusevski’s curling effort from the edge of the box bounced off both posts before creeping past Alphonse Areola, bringing Tottenham level.
West Ham’s Collapse
West Ham’s defensive structure deteriorated as Tottenham applied more pressure. Just six minutes into the second half, Yves Bissouma gave Spurs the lead. A slick move saw Son send a clever pass behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka, allowing Destiny Udogie to square the ball for Bissouma, who tapped in with ease.
The visitors struggled to contain Tottenham’s flowing attacks, and in the 55th minute, the situation worsened. A flick from Kulusevski set Son through on goal, and his shot ricocheted off Jean-Clair Todibo and deflected off Areola, resulting in an unfortunate own goal.
West Ham’s misery continued as Son added a fourth goal just five minutes later. Showing off his flair, Son mesmerized Todibo with stepovers before unleashing a precise low shot past the helpless Areola. Tottenham had transformed the game in a whirlwind eight-minute spell, leaving West Ham in disarray.
Lopetegui Under Pressure
Julen Lopetegui’s tactical limitations were laid bare, with his team showing little ability to adapt to Tottenham’s changes. While West Ham had initially tried to play expansively, their lack of defensive discipline and inability to manage pressure were glaring weaknesses. The absence of protection for Max Kilman and Todibo at the back proved costly, and Lopetegui’s decision to delay substitutions until his team was trailing 4-1 only compounded their woes.
West Ham’s midfield trio of Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paquetá, and Guido Rodríguez appeared sluggish and unable to match Spurs’ intensity. The team lacked the resilience that had characterized them under former manager David Moyes, raising concerns about whether Lopetegui is the right fit for the club.
Late Frustrations Boil Over
In the final moments, West Ham’s frustrations boiled over. Kudus, already frustrated by the scoreline, lost his temper after clashing with Micky van de Ven. In a reckless outburst, Kudus pushed both Van de Ven and Sarr in the face, earning a red card from referee Andy Madley. His dismissal capped a miserable afternoon for West Ham, who ended the game in disgrace.
Postecoglou’s Delight and Spurs’ Progress
After the game, Postecoglou expressed satisfaction with his team’s response to adversity. “It was a bit of an arm wrestle at the start,” the Australian admitted. “But we worked our way back into it and got our reward. Our football was excellent.” The victory marked an important step for Tottenham as they continue to embrace Postecoglou’s high-energy, attacking philosophy.
While the defensive frailties that haunted them against Brighton remain a concern, Tottenham’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and overwhelm opponents with attacking brilliance is a promising sign. With players like Kulusevski and Son in fine form, Spurs are beginning to look like a force to be reckoned with.
West Ham’s Uncertain Future
For West Ham, the defeat raises serious questions about their direction under Lopetegui. The heavy summer investment in new players has yet to pay dividends, and the team looks disjointed and uninspired. The lack of discipline and cohesion evident in their performance suggests that the transition from Moyes’ structured approach to Lopetegui’s philosophy has not been smooth.
Lopetegui faces a daunting task in stabilizing the team and regaining the trust of the players and fans. His decision-making and tactical nous will be under scrutiny, especially after such a humbling defeat. If West Ham are to turn their season around, they will need to show greater resilience and tactical awareness in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Tottenham’s 4-1 victory over West Ham was a showcase of attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. Postecoglou’s side displayed the kind of creativity and energy that could propel them to greater heights this season, while West Ham’s disarray underscored the challenges facing Lopetegui.
As Tottenham celebrate a commanding performance, West Ham must regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks. The gap between the two teams was glaring, leaving West Ham with more questions than answers as they search for consistency and direction under their new manager.
