Tottenham: What to expect and how Spurs can beat West Ham United
By Aaron Coe
As Tottenham Hotspur travels to Olympic Stadium to take on West Ham, it is a match of two similar teams looking to crash the top four party. So what can Tottenham expect from the Hammers, and how can Spurs take all three points and move into the top four.
Tottenham has to handle the West Ham pressure
Both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are teams that look to counterattack. Neither is the kind of team that is going to command 70% of the possession but neither is just going to give it away either.
West Ham is the more aggressive side and will be looking to press more in the Tottenham half. Spurs have shown some weaknesses under pressure, so remaining calm and staying alert on the ball in the back will be critical. Both Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero bring an extra level to Spurs’ ability on the ball and this should help with the pressure.
Additionally, having two willing midfielders to claim the ball and move it up the pitch in Oliver Skipp and Pierre Hojbjerg give Spurs the right squad to split the Hammer’s defense and get in favorable attacks.
If Tottenham is slow and plodding moving the ball from side to side in the back, West Ham will keep the Lilywhite defenders in front of them and Spurs are going to struggle. Alternatively, if the Tottenham defenders and midfielders can get their heads up and make some strong passes you can get to West Ham between the lines.
We know Spurs like to pressure a little deeper than West Ham, which invites the opportunity for those between the line passes as the Hammers push further up the pitch. In a game of cat and mouse, who handles the other’s press and pressure better is likely to come out on top.
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