West Ham United 2 v 1 Tottenham Hotspur
5 Antonio (assist Bowen) 64 Moura (assist Bale)
47 Lingard
Yellows: Soucek, Antonio, Lamela, Hojbjerg, Reguilon
Diop, Fornals
Played Sunday 20 February 2021, at an empty London Stadium.
West Ham United’s Manager David Moyes got his first win against Tottenham Hotspur’s Jose Mourinho at this his 16th attempt in a well fought Premier League (PL) London derby (PLDs) match. Well fought that is by the Hammers and especially by their star mid-field player Tomas Soucek who was off the field for several minutes to receive attention to a facial cut sustained in a clash of heads with Spurs’ young defender Japhet Tanganga. Spurs made their usual slow start to both halves. West Ham United’s resurgent Michail Antonio forced home Jarrod Bowen’s teasing cross at the second attempt after 5 minutes play, and another revitalised player on-loan Jesse Lingard too easily ran through the Spurs’ back line 2 minutes into the second half. There was a question about Pablo Fornals being offside in the build upbut a lengthy VAR decision was in the Hammers’ favour.
Spurs were inspired by this second goal and half-time substitute Gareth Bale to do more. It was the Welshman’s corner which Lucas Moura headed in, and he also hit the bar. At the death a cross-shot from Son Heung-Min was deflected on to the post but stayed out. Spurs may now have hit the woodwork 14 times in the PL this season but West Ham United can beat that too with 15! Can they be the top London Club in the PL this year for the first time? Chelsea have been so 14 times and Arsenal 12 with QPR once and Spurs twice.
There are 2 more PLDs matches in the next week both featuring Fulham. On Sunday 28 February they visit Crystal Palace. This fixture was last played on 2 February 2019 and was a 2-0 home win. On Thursday 4 March 2021 Fulham will be at home to Tottenham Hotspur (1-2 on 20 January 2019) in the match brought forward from 24 April because of Spurs Carabao Cup Final appearance 2 days later. Fulham have 6 away and 4 home draws to their credit and will be hoping for at least 2 points from these two PLDs matches but so will their opponents! We shall see what fortune brings.
Until next time “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football whatever, Andrew at PLDs.