Written by: @Anguswaters_

The first London derby at Tottenham’s new stadium saw the Hammers attempt to snatch the first points from Spurs at the ground. Pellegrini’s starting lineup saw two changes from the agonising draw to Leicester, with Issa Diop being reintroduced to the starting lineup, along with Ryan Fredricks.

West Ham started off well, with Felipe Anderson looking lively down the left. However, a lack of defensive pressure set the tone for the rest of the first half, with two typical Fabianski saves denying Son and Dele Alli. While a Ryan Fredricks long ranger which tested Hugo Lloris provided some relief, Tottenham pushed again through Eriksen, the boats of space again causing chaos for our back four.

While a deflected shot from Anderson nearly saw the home team concede in the first half, our boys would have considered themselves lucky, with a bit of luck in our defensive 3rd meaning Tottenham didn’t go into the break with a lead.

Similar to the first half, our boys started the second well, with Arnie causing early problems. However, the lack of pressure was still evident at times, with Eriksen showing his class. A controversial penalty wave away in our box proved fortunate, as upon further looks Masuaku may have obstructed Alli. 

However, the swing in momentum was evident, with the Hammers playing with freedom and positivity. Everyone could feel it coming, and finally Spurs bottled it, with Arnie floating a cross to Antonio, whose finished slipped past Lloris and put us ahead!

The next 20 minutes saw us hold on for dear life, with our biggest chance coming from a striding Issa Diop, who charged past the Spurs defence and nearly put us two up with five minutes to go. While we won’t mention the last 30 seconds, thank you Mr. Fabian Balbuena.

As if it was meant to be, Tottenham 0 – West Ham 1. This is why we love the Hammers. A day to remember forever. 

COME ON YOU IRONS!