It's down to myself, Matt, Lisa and Fraser, Scott and his mate Dave in the Billy Bonds Stand. Nigel is attending the 75th birthday party of CQ's cousin in Terry and June land, waiting for Iron Maiden to make the party mix. While Renaissance Fan Michael is at a Faure Requiem featuring Bach plus Fantasia on a Theme, presumably written about West Ham getting into the Champions League places, and Vision of a Garden, probably composed about the Central.
Matt wonders if Kane is sulking after missing the chance to be WHU's back-up striker. He'd have definitely got a few games in the Europa League game and the odd ten minutes at the end of league games when Antonio needed to be rested.
It's an even first half. Antonio causes Romero problems with his strength, one surge setting up Fornals for a smart volley well saved by Lloris. Michail then cuts inside well only to slice wide when well placed. Spurs do come into the game more after the first 20 minutes, with Ndombole going down to heavy boos after a fine tackle by Zouma.
Son shoots at Fabianski when through and then after Kane finds himself up against Cresswell, the Spurs striker has a header excellently saved by Fabianski. There's still time for Soucek to head wide an inviting cross but it's goalless at half-time.
The second half sees Kane just miss an inviting cross as the game appears to be heading for a a goalless draw. Benrahma isn't getting any joy against Emerson Royal and Bowen is running into cul-de-sacs much to the chagrin of the Vicar's Son beside me. A great run by Rice is ended by Antonio straying offside.
SPURS CAUGHT IN THE MATRIX
But the home crowd are roused after Fornals is fouled by Romero and then Pablo uncharacteristically reacts to whatever Romero has said, provoking a mini-fracas. The game is settled in the 72nd minute. Fornals does well to win the ball back and get in a deflected shot that Lloris tips over for a corner. Cresswell swings it in and Antonio pokes home. For some reason he's being marked by Kane — West Ham's striker shouldn't be too difficult to spot for Spurs' centre backs as we only have one. Cue mayhem and Antonio doing a celebration from The Matrix.
It's a stressful final 20 minutes, but Spurs don't create any chances as Zouma leads the way with some hefty clearances. Johnson isn't as good as Coufal going forward but sticks to his job at the back and wins some important tackles. Antonio almost makes another as Benrahma's effort is saved by Lloris. We haven't played that well, but Moyes has instilled an ability to snatch results on such days. It's good to see the players come to the fans at the end with Oggy punching the air and Moyes joining in.
A good day is rounded off by the news that Man United are losing 5-0 at home to Liverpool. Lisa suggests that Ronaldo, like Kane, must be regretting not becoming West Ham's back-up striker. We just have to hope that United don't try to poach the promising young gaffer doing so well at West Ham. Irons!
PLAYER RATINGS: Fabianski 7; Johnson 6, Zouma 8, Ogbonna 7, Cresswell 7; Soucek 6, Rice 8, Fornals 7, Benrahma 6, Bowen 6 (Lanzini n/a); Antonio 7.
1 comment:
Hi Pete was at game, enjoyed a pint in the Crate, Hackney wick before kick off. Nice walk to stadium. Street art & wildlife, surreal, Cracking atmosphere and we won! Dayo
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