Harry Kane struck twice as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed West Ham United 4-1 in a completely one sided London derby.
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England striker Kane, 22, had his second goal five minutes after the turn-around, collecting the ball from Christian Eriksen and driving home from the edge of the box.
Manuel Lanzini’s late goal was merely a consolation for the lacklustre Hammers. Spurs now trail fourth-place Arsenal by just two points and leaders Leicester City by four, leaving them ideally placed for an assault on the Champions League berths ahead of next weekend’s home game with spluttering champions Chelsea, who will not relish the trip to north London. The more cautious could take 100/30 in the draw no bet market, a nod to Spurs’ unbeaten run, but I suspect when they do come unstuck it’ll be when many aren’t expecting it.
The result means Spurs still haven’t tasted defeat in the league since the opening day and move to within two points of the Gunners as the race for the top four heats up, while the Hammers remain sixth.
Alli was booked in the 66th minute for going chest to chest with Mark Noble after the West Ham skipper clipped Harry Kane’s heels when the ball had gone.
Sunday showcased another high-pressing, energetic performance from Tottenham, who led 2-0 at the break thanks to Kane’s neat close-range finish and Alderweireld’s header from a corner.
Kane, whose barren early-season return had suggested he could be suffering from “second season” syndrome after his magnificent exploits of 2014-15 when he scored 31 goals in all competitions, has mined a new, rich seam of form. ‘It was one of the best performances of the season, and there were a lot of positive things to take from the game. “We deserved to lose 4-1”, Bilic said. Dele Alli propelled himself into the national limelight midweek with a stunning goal against France and it remains to be seen if Pochettino play the starlet after his recent excursions.
“The best word to describe my feelings is very proud”. “He plays 10 or 12 games in the Premier League”.
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West Ham had won at Arsenal, at Anfield and at Manchester City, yet they were crushed here – missing their talismanic midfielder Dimitri Payet and losing their heads as they were ultimately humiliated. Anyone who touted West Ham as top-four challengers look rather silly after this comprehensive defeat.
