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West Ham vs. Tottenham: Spurs return to London Stadium

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Ham United looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers at The London Stadium on September 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Slaven Bilic, Manager of West Ham United looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers at The London Stadium on September 19, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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You’ll remember Tottenham’s last visit to the London Stadium, where Manuel Lanzini’s 65th minute goal put a final dagger in Spurs’ title aspirations.

The Lilywhites are keen to avenge that loss, but more importantly, increase their away winning streak to five matches. The last time Tottenham lost away from home was that fateful day at the London Stadium in May.

Since then, Tottenham have outscored their opponents in hostile environs by a resounding 18-2. Another record is set to fall, as Spurs – with a win on Saturday lunchtime – will for the first time win three consecutive away matches to start a campaign.

As you can see by the numbers, Spurs aren’t having any trouble whatsoever finding the net away from Wembley. They have scored at least two goals in four on the bounce.

In a reversal of fortunes from most of last season, Spurs more effortlessly show their cutting edge in enemy territory. Maybe that’s because the weight of expectation isn’t so heavily placed upon their shoulders. Some people would have you believe Wembley is culpable.

Another businesslike away approach is required to inflict more damage on a West Ham side teetering perilously close to the relegation zone. Don’t expect the Hammers to stay near the bottom, though. They lost the first three matches of the season but are unbeaten in two, which includes a 2-0 win against Huddersfield in their first home match.

Both teams have won twice in their last five meetings, so there’s no distinct advantage to speak of in their recent head-to-head encounters. The main point of interest will be to see how brazenly Slaven Bilic approaches the key London derby. There is a possibility that he’ll line up with three attacking-minded players from the onset, including Javier Hernández (Chicharito), Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio.

That scenario – if it pans out – gives Mauricio Pochettino lots to ponder. Will he revert back to four at the back to combat a potentially explosive West Ham attack? Or is he comfortable letting Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sánchez go man for man against the Hammers’ triumvirate. Obviously the wing backs will have more defensive responsibilities than usual if Bilic throws caution to the wind.

Trying to put Spurs on the back foot – a tactic used by very few Premier League managers – would be a mistake for Bilic. Spurs – though they don’t get to put it in practice often enough – are one of the most proficient counter attacking sides in the top flight.

Just ask Borussia Dortmund.

Next: Tottenham sneak past Barnsley in EFL Cup

This match presents an intriguing battle of managerial minds, but Pochettino knows how important these three points are. To offset their poor home form, Spurs must win a disproportionate amount of away games, none of which are more important than contests against fellow London sides.

Bilic wants to show the West Ham faithful his team are capable of enterprising, inspired attacking football. And by doing so, let’s hope he plays right into Pochettino’s hands, allowing Spurs’ creative players the time and space to pick out the decisive ball.