Tottenham celebrated a clear Premier League victory over ten-man West Ham at London Stadium and increased the pressure on Graham Potter. The result lifted Spurs to second in the table, level on points with leaders Arsenal. Brentford and Chelsea still have to play on Saturday evening.
Coach Thomas Frank made club history. He became only the third Tottenham manager to win his first two away matches in the top flight. Previously, only Ossie Ardiles in 1993-94 and Tim Sherwood in 2013-14 achieved this feat.
West Ham endured another bitter home game. Potter’s team have not won a Premier League home match since 27 February.
West Ham lose control
The Hammers conceded eight goals in two home games this season. Tomas Soucek’s red card in the 54th minute made matters worse. The team was already behind at that point. Pape Matar Sarr had headed Tottenham into the lead shortly after the break.
The situation escalated when Soucek saw red for a reckless tackle on Joao Palhinha. Immediately after the restart, Lucas Bergvall doubled the lead with a looping header.
Moments later, Micky van de Ven punished poor defending with Tottenham’s third goal. Many home fans left early in disappointment. West Ham dropped to 18th place in the table.
Tottenham in transition show strength
Tottenham’s first match after the Daniel Levy era could hardly have gone better. The sudden departure of the long-serving chairman shifted focus onto the club’s leadership. On the pitch, however, the team produced a professional display.
In the stands sat Vivienne Lewis, her son-in-law Nick Beucher, and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. They watched Frank’s side control large parts of the game.
Cristian Romero’s header was disallowed after Van de Ven pulled Kyle Walker-Peters to the ground. Mohammed Kudus provided an outlet on the right side. The home crowd booed him repeatedly on his return after leaving the club this summer.
Bergvall takes responsibility
Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall stood out most. Recalled to the starting lineup, he showed vision and composure in midfield. He initiated several attacks with sharp passes.
The 19-year-old completed 89 percent of his passes. He capped his performance with a goal and an assist for Van de Ven.
What comes next for both sides
West Ham host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, 20 September, at 15:00 BST.
Tottenham face Villarreal at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, 16 September. They then travel to Brighton on Saturday, 20 September, with kick-off also at 15:00 BST.
