If anyone is wondering why or how West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are 17th and 16th in the Premier League, just watch this game.
Two of the biggest underachieving clubs anywhere across Europe’s top leagues, West Ham and Tottenham have been nothing short of an embarrassment all season.
An unusually – but understandably – quiet London Stadium atmosphere watched a pretty drab and tame affair play out between the two rivals.
The result means West Ham have now won just three of Graham Potter’s 16 games in charge since he took over in January.
The performance needs to be looked at in context and it was much the better result for Tottenham.
Dismal Potter run continues as West Ham held by Spurs’ stiffs
Spurs had a Europa League semi-final a few nights ago and have the second leg next Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou rang the changes, eight in total, making this very much a Spurs second string.
West Ham meanwhile had all week to prepare, a near fully fit squad bar a couple of long-term absentees and no excuses.
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West Ham and Tottenham fans had dubbed this derby something less than complimentary rhyming with ‘El Classico’. And they were proved pretty accurate.
So let’s not make any because while players can’t be accused of a lack of effort, it was the usual suspects who turned up and performed to their best while far too many others flattered to deceive.
Max Kilman has been criticised for his performances recently.
And he was ridiculously sloppy to gift Tottenham the lead in the first half.
West Ham had enjoyed most of the ball until Kilman twice kicked it against Mathys Tel after a hopeful punt up-field from Spurs.
Kilman could have booted the ball out, played it to his goalkeeper, turned inside and found a teammate or hooked it upfield.
Instead he twice kicked it directly at the chasing Tel who was then able to walk into the box and lay the ball to Wilson Odobert for one of the easiest goals he’ll ever score.
Kilman kills West Ham as usual trio turn up again
Although questions also have to be asked of Jean-Clair Todibo, who was ambling back, failing to offer Kilman an option for a pass which then left him miles off the play when Spurs robbed the ball on the edge of the box.
Todibo seems to play the game in second gear. Whether that’s his style or otherwise, he needs to sharpen up his play and his focus.
Jarrod Bowen – who else – equalised with a clever run and finish after being played in by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who else?
It was the usual trio who shone for the Hammers but others need to up their game or leave the club this summer.
West Ham player ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur
Alphonse Areola, 6.5/10: Did not have much to do in truth. Difficult to criticise him for the Spurs goal but could have perhaps closed Odobert quicker? But that’s harsh. Defence seems nervous in front of him but that could be totally unrelated.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 9/10: West Ham’s best player YET AGAIN. Hammer of the Year was absolutely everywhere, a brilliant signing who others must elevate their performance levels to match. Man of the match, another assist.
Jean-Clair Todibo, 5/10: Lackadaisical approach sums up his debut season. He’s either not fully fit, still, or thinks he is far better than he actually is. Plays the game at jogging pace. Jury most definitely still out and West Ham still have to pay £32m for him.
Max Kilman, 3/10: Poor of late after being one of West Ham’s most consistent players for much of his debut season. Made a ridiculous error in a game against a big rival.
Aaron Cresswell, 7/10: Says a lot that 35-year-old left-back Aaron Cresswell was West Ham’s best central defender against Tottenham. Sad but scarily true. May have little choice but to sign him up to a new deal at this rate.
Emerson Palmieri, 3/10: Almost completely anonymous. Forgot he was even playing at one point. No wonder Ollie Scarles took his place. West Ham need a new left-back this summer.
Lucas Paqueta, 4/10: Really poor performance from Lucas Paqueta who gave the ball away several times in dangerous areas. West Ham’s most creative passer was playing in the defensive third for most of the game. Clearly not right in himself either as he burst into tears when booked for a foul.
Tomas Soucek, 7.5/10: Some may disagree but ever-reliable Tomas Soucek was absolutely everywhere and put in his usual selfless, committed performance for the team. He thwarted Spurs on countless occasions by winning so many headers. He was involved in all West Ham’s better moves, including the one which resulted in Bowen’s goal.
Mohammed Kudus, 6.5/10: Flattered to deceive once again. Tried hard but seems to have lost that X-factor which made him such a constant threat last season. Partly down to playing in a poor team it should also be noted. West Ham are absolutely dreaming if they think they are getting anywhere close to £80m for their faded star boy.
Jarrod Bowen, 8/10: Captain Jarrod Bowen was excellent as always even if he wasn’t at his brilliant best. Superb run and nutmeg finish for the goal.
Niclas Fullkrug, 7/10: Worked hard and gave Tottenham’s defenders a bruising encounter. But this was only their reserves – there was no Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro or Destiny Udogie – and Fullkrug looked short of the pace and energy needed to make a big impact in the Premier League. His hold-up play was good and the team does look better with him up front. But more dynamic striker options are needed in the summer. Even if Fullkrug stays.