Disjointed Tottenham defending gifts match to West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur's Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez (front) holds off West Ham United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard (back) during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021.ondon Stadium, in east London on February 21, 2021. (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Second half starts the same as first

Yet another disastrous first five minutes after the restart allowed West Ham to double their lead. This time Spurs’ soft, vulnerable centre was penetrated with alarming ease. Sanchez was too tight on Antonio, the Colombian drawn in like an addict to a fix. Sanchez couldn’t make up the ground on a Jessie Lingard, whose electric pace confounded Dier.

Take nothing away from Lingard’s precise, crafty finish, but Spurs were once again architects of their own demise.

The away side, though they tried with a much better final 40 minutes, couldn’t make up for two inexplicable defensive lapses. Moura, with a sublime header, made up for his first half mental lapse, while Kane and Bale threatened West Ham’s goal numerous times.

Unfortunately the margins in the Premier League are too slim to get away with inept defensive mishaps. It’s a recurring theme that needs to be addressed urgently at Spurs.

Next. Jose Mourinho still saying all the right things at Tottenham. dark

With the devastating loss, Spurs drop nine points behind West Ham and see the likelihood of qualifying for next season’s Champions League via a top four spot significantly diminished.

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