West Brom shock listless Tottenham with stoppage time winner
By Gary Pearson
West Brom’s dream of the great escape are still alive after the Baggies scored the winner in stoppage time to shock a listless Spurs side.
The 1-0 defeat could have dire ramifications on Spurs’ chances of securing what seemed like, before kickoff, a guaranteed spot in the top four.
If Chelsea manage to beat Liverpool at home tomorrow, Spurs will be just two points ahead of the West Londoners with two matches to play.
Surely it can’t happen again, can it?
Pouring salt in Spurs’ gaping wound, Jan Vertonghen left the match with an injury, the severity of which is yet to be determined.
Second half
West Brom’s winner was bundled in from a stoppage time corner. Jake Livermore was credited with the goal but it could have just as easily been given as a Danny Rose own goal.
Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli linked up well with Erik Lamela in the early stages of the second stanza, but the Argentinian was unable to break the stalemate, his touch failing him at a crucial moment.
Christian Eriksen got in on the act in the 62nd minute, the Dane firing a dipping free kick that again tested Ben Foster’s lateral movement.
Hugo Lloris, in the 74th minute, made his first big save of the match, from the unlikeliest of sources.
Harry Kane almost scored an own goal, flubbing and slicing his attempted clearance. The fierce backspin almost beat Lloris, whose catlike reactions spared Kane from certain regret and embarrassment.
First half
Spurs bossed possession, each player showing desire to get on the ball and put the Baggies on the defensive. For all their possession, Spurs had little in the way of scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Mauricio Pochettino gave Toby Alderweireld an long-overdue start, the Belgian taking his place on the right side of a three-man centre back triumvirate. The out-of-favour Belgian acquitted himself confidently from the off, a fact that will come as little surprise to Spurs supporters.
Victor Wanyama was the first to test either keeper. The Kenyan showed another dimension of his multifaceted ability to hit an impressive shot from long range. His 23rd minute curler from over 20 yards out had the top corner labelled if not for Foster’s diving interjection.
Kieran Trippier then put Harry Kane through on goal but Spurs’ main man was unable to find the back of the net, as Foster darted out to use his head, both figuratively and literally.
Jay Rodriguez almost broke the deadlock with four minutes to spare in the first half. The Englishman, who was otherwise completely silent in the first half, got the better of Spurs defence from a free kick, but Alderweireld was positioned perfectly on the line to clear the danger.
Next: Does Pochettino have to leave Spurs to fulfill his potential?
Summary
Tottenham must now win both remaining matches to confirm their participation in next season’s Champions League. The pressure is building in North London, as falling out of the top four would be seen as a catastrophic failure and an unforgivable fall from grace.
The only silver lining is that Spurs still control their own destiny. However, Spurs supporters could do without the increased stress levels their beloved team have placed squarely on their shoulders.