A superb second half sees Tottenham top West Ham, return to top four
By Aaron Coe
![(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5b0339827376f30e6142b05ef821211460b4d9de00d51f351d9850d851687c8c.jpg)
The big moment to open the game up and put Tottenham in total control came from an unlikely source, the two Spurs wing-backs.
Spurs wing-backs and finally come through
The play started with a beautiful through ball from Pierre Hojbjerg, threading the needle through the West Ham lines as Davies rushed in behind. The Welshman took a touch and then squared it to Royal, who had been running up the pitch parallel to Davies. Emerson calmly slotted past a helpless Lukasz Fabianski as Spurs took the 1-0 lead.
Although West Ham played physically and kept working, they were never threatening Forster’s goal in a meaningful way, leaving room for super-substitute Son to finish nailing the Hammer’s coffin shut.
The second goal started harmlessly enough, with Kane battling Angelo Ogbonna in the midfield for a long ball. Realizing he would not win it, Kane stepped away and squared himself to Ogbonna, putting himself in a perfect position to win the second ball.
With the ball at his feet, facing the goal, Kane hit a nice through ball – wow, two in one game from Spurs – to a flashing Son. Sonny had a wonderful touch with the outside of his foot to set the ball perfectly for another excellent slot finish and the 2-0 Spurs lead.
Down by two, these are not the same Hammers who took a point from Tottenham two years ago with a miraculous comeback. Although West Ham got half their six total shots after the second goal, none were dangerous as Spurs saw out the win.
With three more points, Tottenham leapfrogs Newcastle into fourth place in the table, although the Magpies have a game in hand on Spurs. With a week to prepare for Chelsea, Tottenham can strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot.
Next. Injuries make situation tough for Tottenham. dark