Spurs Through to Semis with Win Against West Ham

Wednesday 22nd December 2021

Match Report

Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1 West Ham United

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Competition: EFL Carabao Cup Quarter-Final

"Pre-Match Thoughts – Expectations are high off the back of a positive performance at the weekend. With two Premier League matches to play within a week of this one, it'll be interesting to see who starts. We have a point to prove after they beat us back in October, and there's the possibility of a cup final on the horizon. I'm backing us to enact revenge and win this one 2-1."

Six changes from the side who faced Liverpool – Doherty was given a chance on the right in place of Royal. Højbjerg and Skipp were back for Winks and Alli. Reguilón returned on the left as it was revealed that Sessegnon had picked up a knock. Moura made way for Ndombele, and Bergwijn was handed a start as Son was rested.

12' Kane found himself in with the first chance of the match as he latched onto a through ball from Moura down the left side of the area and struck it first time left-footed across goal. It was too central though and the keeper palmed it away to safety.

29' Højbjerg picked up the ball on the edge of the area, he played it into the feet of Bergwijn who showed good strength with his back to to shield it from Dawson. Højbjerg had followed his pass and Bergwijn nudged it back to him, he took a touch before dragging it back to Bergwijn again who opened up his body and slid as he side-footed his finish into the bottom left corner. 1-0.

30' West Ham headed straight up the other end and forced a magnificent save from Lloris – A dangerous header from Souček that he somehow sprung-up to reach and claw behind. He did so a second time in very similar fashion following the corner.

32' West Ham looked lively since Spurs' opener and they soon found an equaliser – Dier's clearance fell straight into the opposition's midfield. It was driven into the feet of Bowen in the area who dragged it to the side as he swivelled around to face goal wrong-footing Dier and Lloris in the process and opening up a clear shot that he lapped up by lacing low into the net. 1-1.

34' It was end-to-end stuff and this time Bergwijn worked his way brilliantly down the right side of the area amongst a sea of West Ham bodies. With some tidy footwork he bundled his way down by the byline before squeezing it sideways to Moura who tapped in under the West Ham keeper from close range. 2-1.

36' West Ham were inches away from equalising again – A cross to the back post was cut out by a vital Skipp slide that led to him toeing it just wide of his own post and cutting out the chance for Souček to tap it in.

"Thoughts at Half-Time – A first half that took a while to get going but exploded into life once it did! Three goals in five minutes and it'd be no surprise to see a few more in the second half as both teams look dangerous going forward. Let's hope Conte's team talk helps them fall Spurs' way and we secure the win."

58' Lloris forced into a save from Bowen as he took down a long ball over the top and found himself in on goal. Thankfully Hugo was out quickly and dived in to save it at the West Ham man's feet.

61' Goalscorers Bergwijn and Moura made way for Son and Winks. Bergwijn looked disappointed but can be proud of his performance. A goal and an assist for the rumoured to be leaving Dutchman today.

74' Chance spurned from Son – Davies broke upfield and found Kane who drove forward with it before releasing Son with a nicely timed pass, he had a clear run at goal ahead of him but a heavy first touch took it away and into the arms of the outrushing goalkeeper.

80' Benrahma unleashed a half-volley across goal that seemed to come out of nowhere from the right side of the area. Thankfully it fell just wide of the post as Lloris wasn't getting there.

83' Spurs used their final two of five substitutions with wing-backs Reguilón and Doherty making way for Tanganga and Royal. Tanganga at left wing-back was an interesting move as West Ham pushed to find an equaliser and take the game to penalties.

90'+2' A pot-shot deflected up and over the Spurs defenders and Lloris who desperately leaped for it only to see it crash off the top of his crossbar and behind.

"Thoughts at Full-Time – Another strong showing from Spurs and we're through to a two-legged semi-final against Chelsea. Positive performances from a few of the fringe players and another game unbeaten under Conte. Things continue to look up at the Lane. At home again on Boxing Day as we host Palace in the league. Let's hope for 3 points as a belated Christmas present."

Tottenham Player Ratings

• 1. Hugo Lloris – 8 – Kept us in it at times. Looked really determined to keep them out and did well to only concede the one goal.

• 6. Davinson Sánchez – 7.5 – Helped keep it tight at the back. Put his body on the line with a few good blocks and tackles.

• 15. Eric Dier – 6.5 – Didn't cover himself in glory for Bowen's goal as he gave the ball away and then got turned. Other than that moment, he was pretty solid.

• 33. Ben Davies – 7 – Went about his duties diligently again. Got forward on occasion and didn't do much wrong.

• 2. Matt Doherty – 6.5 – Better from him. Did well defensively and put a few decent crosses in at the other end.

• 5. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 8 – Tenacious performance from him on his return. Threw himself into everything and linked up well with Bergwijn for the opening goal.

• 29. Oliver Skipp – 8 – Looked pleased to be back in the starting line up. Battled for everything and was shattered by the time he was subbed off. Crucial sliding challenge to deny Souček in the second half.

• 3. Sergio Reguilón – 6.5 – His usual leggy self up and down that left side. Didn't make too much of an impact but threatened to from time to time.

• 27. Lucas Moura – 8 – Another strong performance. Played an exquisite through ball to Kane early on and went on to score the winning goal.

• 10. Harry Kane – 6.5 – Looked lively but again just not quite back to his best. Put one on a plate for Son that he should have done better with. Eager to get shots away himself and found some decent passes here and there.

• 23. Steven Bergwijn – 8.5 – Rumoured to be leaving, he had a point to prove, and he certainly did that. Wasn't the brightest of starts from him but once he got into the game he made things happen and eventually helped win us the game with a goal and an assist. Looked strong and full of energy in a performance which will have done his confidence the world of good.

Substitutions:

• 23. Steven Bergwijn ⬅ 61' ➡ 7. Son Heung-min – 6 – Looked to make things happen as soon as he came on. Took a heavy touch on the one big chance that fell to him though.

• 27. Lucas Moura ⬅ 61' ➡ 8. Harry Winks – 6.5 – Looked confident on the ball. Made some clever interceptions and passes to help see out the game.

• 29. Oliver Skipp ⬅ 77' ➡ 20. Dele Alli – 6 – Barely involved after coming on.

• 2. Matt Doherty ⬅ 83' ➡ 12. Emerson Royal – N/A – On as a late substitute.

• 3. Sergio Reguilón ⬅ 83' ➡ 25. Japhet Tanganga – N/A – On as a late substitute.

Man of the Match – 23. Steven Bergwijn