West Ham recorded a 1-0 win against Tottenham in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday. Michail Antonio scored the only goal of the game and history was made in the process as the Hammers became the first side to ever defeat the Lilywhites at their new home ground.
West Ham who have blown hot and cold this season produced a solid display against Mauricio Pochettino’s side. They were also helped out by the fact that the North Londoners appeared to not be totally focused on the game with their Champions League semi-final clash against Ajax Amsterdam this week also in mind.
Nevertheless, Manuel Pellegrini’s side can take credit from what they managed to achieve.
No particular Hammers player stood out on the day with the likes of Antonio, captain Mark Noble and defender Issa Diop all impressing.
Some pundits and fans have been suggesting that the club should start phasing out Noble from their first-team plans. However, the veteran was solid in midfield during the game and has certainly proven that he can continue to represent his boyhood club for at least another two seasons.
The victory was West Ham’s first away victory of 2019. It will not do much to change the outcome of their season which has been marred by inconsistency, however, it is something which Pellegrini’s side can take heart from as they look to have a better showing next term.
“If you want to be a big team you need good performances from individual players,” the Chilean manager told West Ham’s official website.
“After that with those good performances you need to play well as a team.
“Today we defended well, had good possession of the ball, we didn’t lose to many easy balls and created a couple of chances against a team that is in the semi-final of the Champions League and third in the Premier League, a very difficult team with a great manager and very good players.
“The second part of the season we have been conceding too many goals in the games we have played away. It was a very good performance today as a team. Maybe we have to be a little more calm when it was 1-0 to decide the game because we had three or four counter attacks at big pace, we must score.
“But I understand the pressure, this rivalry in London, the fans are happy to win. It is not easy, they are a good team but yes for me it was a complete performance.”