Dec 08 2008
Tottenham Prove too Much for Hammers to Handle
Tottenham defeated the Hammers at Upton Park this evening with a 2-0 win in this London derby game. Both teams battled hard throughout the match, and West Ham could so easily have equalised in the 90th minute through Di Michele; seconds later though and Tottenham once more attacked, with Jamie O’Hara gifting Spurs with a sensational match winning goal.
So often the villain; Heurelho Gomes was the hero today, producing a fantastic save to thwart Lucas Neill’s thumping effort, and then comfortably stopping Di Michele’s lame follow-up shot also. Di Michele should really have scored, he hit his shot right at Gomes however, and West Ham were instantly made to pay for the Italian’s inability to stab it home as Tottenham scored their second. It was a close fought game; ultimately Tottenham showed more strength in front of goal however, and King’s header and O’Hara’s scorcher proved enough to provide Spurs with all three points.
Tottenham now join West Ham on 18 points, they edge them on goal difference however, and both teams currently sit three points above the drop-zone. Whilst Tottenham are moving upwards though; West Ham have managed only 6 points from their last 10 games, and although have been performing a little better in recent weeks, things are still not looking too good for Gianfranco Zola’s Hammers.
Under the guidance of Harry Redknapp and with the strength of squad that Tottenham have; I feel Spurs should find no problem in avoiding relegation this season. West Ham on the other hand is struggling to find the net at current, and if they continue to lack composure in front of goal then they could have a real relegation battle on their hands come the end of the season. Dean Ashton is an excellent forward player when fit, the problem is in keeping him in the team though, and I feel that a new striker really needs to be brought into the club in January if West Ham is to avoid relegation this season. Right now West Ham is spiralling uncontrollably towards the drop zone, goals are required here, only four have been scored in the last ten games though and this is therefore a real worry for West Ham.
It would seem that it’s onwards and upwards for Tottenham, West Ham however could well be heading for the Championship.
