Tottenham Hotspur finally won two straight matches in 2022, pushing into fifth on the strength of a 3-1 win over West Ham; here are Spurs ratings from the momentous win.
Having struggled over the last 11 weeks to find consistency, Spurs looked like a cohesive team with a plan, leveraging the strength of a robust first half and a powerful counter-attack to beat West Ham. The win simultaneously pushes the Hammers down to seventh, while Spurs catapult over West Ham and Manchester United.
With solid play across the pitch, it was one of Spurs’ best performances of 2022, and the effort shows in our ratings.
Rating Spurs Attack
Tottenham again ran with a front three, showing an increasing continuity across the group as they continue to play together.
Right forward – Dejan Kulusevski – 7.5
If you are looking for an example of a forward having a big game without scoring or assisting a goal, you should re-watch Dejan Kulusevski against West Ham. Deki was tremendous in possession for Tottenham providing a consistent outlet up the right channel. Unlucky not to have assisted Son early for a goal, his relentless effort on the ball is part of an improving Tottenham team.
Centre forward – Harry Kane – 8
Doing everything but scoring a goal, which he probably should have done, Harry Kane was involved in all three goals for Tottenham. Kane played the cross the Zouma hit for the opening own-goal – Spurs 10th such goal on the season. Kane also played provider on both of Son’s official goals, hitting a beautiful diagonal on the second and winning the header to flick on Son for the third goal.
Left forward – Heung-min Son – 9
Heung-min Son would have had a hattrick if a ball had gone inside instead of outside the near post. Son was running toward the near post for the first goal Kurt Zouma knocked in, and he finished wonderfully in two other situations. A stepover and a solid left foot were too much for Zouma and Fabianski; then, Son was confident and sure, finishing a breakaway just before 90 minutes and icing the game. Any talk of a slump is gone.
Tottenham Midfield Ratings
It was an up and down game for Spurs midfield as the lack of depth across the unit showed at times when West Ham took control. Ultimately, the midfield worked hard to keep Spurs pushing forward.
Right wing-back – Matt Doherty – 7
Overall a reasonable effort from Matt Doherty, who finished the game on the left. Doherty’s most significant contribution was on the opening goal, where he created the turnover in the West Ham half, which led to the first goal. Matt had some solid defensive moments, like fighting Antonio at the back post early, but a poor touch led to the corner where the Hammers scored.
Central midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur – 8
Playing his best match as a Tottenham Hotspur player, Rodrigo Bentancur controlled the tempo for most of the game. Whether it was using some calm and creative touches to relieve pressure or finding the perfect angle on a pass to move Spurs forward, Bentancur was excellent.
Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg – 7
Providing a second strong presence in the midfield, Pierre Hojbjerg had a solid match overall. Hojbjerg flashed at times, like when he ran through to win a second-ball with his chest and play Son forward. He probably should have had an assist on a lovely little through the chip to Kane before Spurs third, which Kane hit over the bar. Not as influential as Bentancur overall, but a solid performance.
Left wing-back – Sergio Reguilon – 6.5
At times you can see the promise in Sergio Reguilon as a left-wing-back and other times the problems. Maybe lucky not to have received a booking for putting his hand to the face of Aaron Creswell during a commotion. Reguilon plays with a lot of emotion, and as a result, his consistency is not where it needs to be. He had his chances in attack and failed to capitalize.
Rating the Tottenham Defence
It was an intense match overall as the defence helped limit the big chances for West Ham to score.
Right-back – Cristian Romero – 8
Growing in confidence on the pitch, Cristian Romero was everpresent on defence for Spurs against West Ham. Romero was less aggressive pushing forward than he was midweek but continued to be very aggressive in working to win the ball defensively. He was strong in the air, on the ground, and is starting to look like the world-class defender.
Centre-back – Eric Dier – 7
Almost caught out once, as he swung in missed on a clearance; fortunately, Lloris was behind him, and there was no pressure. Outside of that one swing and a miss, Dier had a strong game overall. He was marshaling the backline and learning to plan in support of the ultra-aggressive Romero. Dier was smart with the ball and passed well.
Left-back – Ben Davies – 7
Looking as comfortable as Dier and Romero do, Ben Davies put in another good shift for Spurs. Davies did well to step and cut passes and pushed forward at opportune moments. Davies, in particular, battled a lot with Antonio before the Hammer striker was substituted near the hour mark.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris 7.5
Although he did not get the clean sheet he likely wanted, Hugo Lloris was excellent for Tottenham n the day. Lloris was not credited with any saves, but the club captain showed excellent command of his box. Lloris was impressive, whether he was running off his line to pounce on a ball or jumping to claim crosses in the middle of the box. Lloris also had a hockey assist with the long punt Kane flicked on to Son for the third goal.
Tottenham Coach and Substitutes
It took until the 88th minute for Antonio Conte to use his first substitute, which happened moments before Son scored Spurs’ decisive third goal.
Emerson Royal – N/A
Emerson Royal was the first substitute coming on for Reguilon, forcing Doherty over to the left. Moments after walking on, Spurs scored their third and finished the game.
Steven Bergwijn – N/A
Steven Bergwijn came on in injury time for Kulusevski. Look hungry and had a nifty cross that Royal couldn’t connect fully on.
Lucas Moura – N/A
Part of a double change in injury time, giving Son and Deki both a standing ovation for a well-done job. Moura wanted to run but had little time to do so.
Coach Conte – 8
Tottenham was ready and focused from the off. The mistakes that allowed West Ham to score after taking the two-goal lead were absent in a strong second-half, defensive effort. The team continues to improve in all areas and is again climbing in the table. Conte’s impact is growing, and it feels good!