Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur side landed a major blow on Graham Potter’s West Ham United with a thumping 3-0 victory at the London Stadium. It’s a return to winning ways following the Bournemouth defeat and a positive start to life in the post-Daniel Levy era for the Europa League winners.
Tottenham had thought they’d taken the lead midway through the first half when Christian Romero headed home from a corner kick. The referee had a different view of things though, as the goal was chalked off for a foul from Micky van de Ven in the build-up.
Spurs eventually took the lead early in the second period, with Pape Matar Sarr netting from another set-piece and following a red card to Thomas Soucek, the floodgates opened. Lucas Bergvall scored next, while Van de Ven made up for his involvement in the disallowed goal to make it three. Express Sport hands out player ratings from the London derby.
Guglielmo Vicario – 6
Could’ve brought a deck chair for the 90 minutes. Only really called into action on one proper occasion, and even then Guglielmo Vicario didn’t have to break stride with his save.
Pedro Porro – 7
Industrious up and down the right-hand side and didn’t have too many problems with the West Ham attackers. Pedro Porro is unlikely to have many outings as comfortable as that this season.
Christian Romero – 8
Plenty of Spurs fans might’ve been expecting Romero to depart the club in the summer window, but the Argentine remained at the club and how they are thankful for that. A classy operator and the key to any success Tottenham will have this season.
Micky van de Ven – 8
In truth, he didn’t do much wrong in the build-up to the disallowed goal, but that didn’t take away from a great performance all around. Van de Ven remains elegant in defence and is almost equally important to Spurs’ forward play.
Djed Spence – 7
Kept his cool after a monumental week on a personal level. The Djed Spence redemption tour continues and while he might not be a natural left-back, the England international looks as if he’s played there his entire career.
Joao Palhinha – 7
Has been a welcome addition to a Spurs midfield that got overrun too many times last season. Perhaps his involvement will be less important when Spurs are chasing matches like they were vs Bournemouth, but even still, Joao Palhinha has taken to Frank’s system well.
Lucas Bergvall – 8
A delight to watch on an afternoon which felt like Bergvall popped up on every blade of grass in the London Stadium. Marked his 50th appearance for Spurs with a deserved goal, and didn’t he just take it well?
Pape Matar Sarr – 7
Enjoyed a high-scoring week on international duty and picked up where he left off for Spurs. Granted, the lackadaisical efforts from the West Ham defenders made it easy for him to ghost in behind at the back post and nod home the simplest of headers.
Xavi Simons – 7
Looked off the pace at times in the first half, but that’s to be expected on his first start in a new league. Xavi Simons did show some bright sparks as the match went on and should prove a strong signing for the capital club. Also put in a wicked ball for the Saar opener and could prove a threat from set-pieces this season.
Mohammed Kudus – 7
Booed every time he touched the ball, but that didn’t stop Mohammed Kudus from dazzling whenever he got on the ball. Showed exactly why he was revered by the West Ham faithful (as well as why they were so disappointed to see him leave for a rival).
Mathys Tel – 6
Had a thankless task leading the line on his own and went missing at times throughout the match. That being said, Mathys Tel was happy to do the dirty work at the tip of the Tottenham attack and would’ve probably been asking for better service from his team-mates.
Substitutes:
Brennan Johnson – 6
Missed a sitter from six yards out but had his blushes spared by a late offside flag.
Richarlison – 6
Looked more comfortable than Tel when leading the line.
Wilson Odobert – N/A
Kevin Danso – N/A
Destiny Udogie – N/A