Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 West Ham United: Five Things We Learned

If you were in the Away end of Wembley during that game, then you need to take your hat off and be proud, because what an amazing atmosphere you guys made for the players! With that being said, let’s relive the match one more time with Five Things We Learned.

Number 5: Tottenham Hotspur came out swinging.

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There’s no denying it. After Sissoko’s first goal, it looked like we were going to really struggle throughout this clash. Sissoko scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur just 6 minutes in, and West Ham United fans weren’t happy whatsoever. Granted, Dele Alli’s second for Tottenham didn’t help the mood, but for the first half, Spurs were in cruise control and they looked strong!

While Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino may have underestimated West Ham United’s drive and determination, he didn’t underestimate how good Spurs looked in the first half.

Number Four: Andre Ayew’s Brace

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Admittedly, I was highly skeptical when I saw Andre Ayew’s name on the teamsheet, however, I was soon made to swallow my words. Ayew’s brace was nothing short of spectacular. In the 55th and 60th minutes, he proved to be in the right place at the right time, making the most of both opportunities to make a bigger name for himself while wearing the Claret and Blue.

While some may still be skeptical of whether he deserves his place in the Starting XI against Crystal Palace, I’m definitely not one of those fans. Slaven, give him a run in the League!

Number Three: Slaven’s Teamsheet.

Speaking of teamsheets, this is how we looked. Slaven’s formation of 3-4-1-2 was unique, but highly skilled and definitely worth trying against Palace this weekend.

The heavily rotated team did show some brilliance, notably from Ayew, Angelo Ogbonna, Mark Noble and Declan Rice.

Adrian returned to the sticks with Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice and Cheikhou Kouyate making up the back three. Sam Byram was the Right Wing-Back with Mark Noble and Edimilson Fernandes in the middle, and Aaron Cresswell operating as our Left Wing-Back. Manuel Lanzini operated in front of them as the Center Attacking Midfielder we all know and love, meanwhile Andy Carroll, who returned from his suspension he earned against Burnley, accompanied Andre Ayew, returning back into the squad.

Number Two: Adrian will always love this club

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Adrian has already earned his place as a West Ham United Fan Favourite. His feats against Everton a couple of years ago proved that. However his sprint from his net to the goalscorer Angelo Ogbonna and Andre Ayew following Ogbonna’s winning goal was nothing short of class.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been in a rut of late, losing his place to Joe Hart while Hart joins us on loan from Manchester City, however his Cup performances reflected a man who wanted to spend another glorious moment with his teammates.

Here’s hoping Adrian sticks around a little longer.

Number One: Slaven Bilic can breathe a little easier...

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While this may have been one win from the two games given by the board, he still has a very long way to go with this team. Something’s not working and no doubt you’re all sick and tired of hearing it.

Well, it should come as no surprise that Slaven can in fact breathe a little easier. He was handed one mission to achieve, and one objective has already been accomplished: Beat Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Slaven Bilic’s risky decision to rotate the team did allow for some fringe players to have a run, but it also pushed us into the Fifth Round of the Carabao Cup - A round where we travel to the Emirates Stadium for a clash against Arsenal.

Do you think Slaven Bilic will’s tactics will work against Crystal Palace? How many more games does he need? Leave your answer in the comments section below!

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Come On You Irons!!!