Wednesday 2 March 2016

West Ham 1-0 Tottenham: Michail Antonio dents Spurs' title hopes - 5 things we learned

The former Nottingham Forest wide man netted once again to give the Hammers a big win and deny Mauricio Pochettino's men top spot

Michail Antonio headed home a goal that could have seismic ramifications in both the race for Europe and the Premier League title.
The in-form wide man headed home what proved to be the only goal after just seven minutes to give the Hammers a famous win that edges them just one point off fourth-placed Manchester City.
And in turn he denied Spurs the chance to be in top spot in March for the first time in over 50 years.
Here are five things we learned:

1. Tottenham’s long season is catching up with them


PA West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur
The north Londoners looked jaded and leggy while West Ham were sharper, more decisive and pressed the all over the pitch.

2. West Ham are now serious contenders for a top four place


Reuters West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur
With Manchester City’s away form so patchy - and West Ham playing the way that they did here - Slaven Bilic’s side are now very much in the mix.

3. Cheikhou Kouyate is a colossus in midfield for the Hammers


Reuters West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
The versatile midfielder dropped into defence and helped ensure Spurs failed to hit a single shot in a Premier League first half for only the second time in the past 13 years.

4. West Ham are set to have a big say in the title race


Getty Hugo Lloris goalkeeper of Tottenham Hotspur is beaten by Michail Antonio of West Ham United (not pictured) for the opening goal.
They still have yet to face Arsenal and will also go to Leicester.
Neither side will fancy coping with the Irons’ mix of pace and power.

5. Tottenham maybe need a rethink


Action Images via Reuters Harry Kane
At times, Harry Kane was isolated up front as West Ham played three at the back.
Pochettino will need to ensure other clubs don’t see the Hammers' tactics as the way to frustrate his side.

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