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Spurs fans have shown who they really see as their biggest rivals after an England star’s Arsenal and West Ham claim.

Tottenham Hotspur winning the Europa League has made for a miserable end to the season for London rivals West Ham and Arsenal.

Both the Hammers and Gunners have had plenty of bragging rights over Tottenham in recent years.

Arsenal have reasserted their place as the dominant force in north London in recent seasons while West Ham won a European trophy two years ago next month.

Of course there is absolutely no love lost between West Ham, Spurs or the Gunners.

Spurs trophy win tough to take for West Ham and Arsenal

That’s why West Ham fans were so angry when Graham Potter said he hoped Spurs finish the job in Europe.

Although there were rare scenes recently when angry Hammers and Tottenham fans united over their owners.

Seeing Tottenham triumph in the Europa League final against Man United has been a bitter pill to swallow for both Arsenal and West Ham.

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The Hammers have taken comfort in the fact Tottenham have been even worse than them in the Premier League this season.

But winning the Europa League has made a mockery of that while also delivering Champions League football for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

After three memorable seasons in Europe, there will be no continental football for the Irons next term for the second season in a row.

Tottenham fans can even argue they have had a better season than Arsenal having lifted silverware.

The fact Arsenal and West Ham supporters find it so nauseating that Spurs have ended their 17-year trophy drought, clearly makes the achievement even sweeter for them.

But Spurs fans showed who they really see as biggest rivals after an England star’s Arsenal and West Ham claim.

Ex Tottenham star’s Arsenal and West Ham claim raised eyebrows

Traditionally West Ham and Spurs have bigger rivals in the shape of Millwall and Arsenal respectively.

There is no denying the rivalry between the Hammers and Tottenham seems to grow in its intensity each season, though.

Former Tottenham star Kyle Walker recently said that playing West Ham always felt a much fiercer and more real rivalry than when Spurs played the Gunners.

“As daft as it sounds, I felt like Tottenham vs West Ham felt more passionate than Tottenham vs Arsenal for me when I was playing.

“It just felt more.”

Spurs fans show who they really see as biggest rivals

The England defender’s comments raised a few eyebrows.

Especially among Tottenham fans who always seem to want to play down the West Ham rivalry – a stance viewed as an arrogance that they are the superior club.

Now the club’s supporters have spoken.

Because in their first moment of glory for nearly two decades, Spurs targeted their gleeful goading in one direction.

And it made it clear it is, always has been and always will be Arsenal who are their undisputed arch rivals.

West Ham fans will have to retire their Spurs-specific chant about their Conference League win.

“We’ll be running around Tottenham with our European cup singing I’ve got a trophy haven’t you” doesn’t really work anymore.

When Tottenham won the Europa League, their first thought was to goad the Gunners, chanting relentlessly “Are you watching Arsenal”.

Perhaps the Hammers will have to edit their chant to Arsenal now.

Either that or hope Millwall get promoted so their own true biggest rivalry can be renewed.

West Ham have been given even more reason to want Manchester United to beat Spurs in the Europa League final as their prospects of landing a top target depends on it.

Tribal rivalries are what make football so great and there’s certainly no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

It is fair to say Spurs beating Man United in the Europa League final would put a rotten cherry on the out of date cake that has been West Ham’s season.

The Hammers can finish no higher than 14th going into the final day at Ipswich.

The one consolation has been that bitter rivals Tottenham – and Man United – have been just as bad in the Premier League.

However, both have the chance to save their own seasons by lifting the Europa League in Bilbao.

Tottenham ending their long trophy drought does not bear thinking about for most West Ham fans.

Not only because it would – as a result of being the more prestigious competition – surpass West Ham’s Conference League achievement, but it would also see Tottenham qualify for the Champions League.

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West Ham’s Spurs-specific chant ‘We’ll be running around Tottenham with our European cup singing I’ve got a trophy haven’t you’ would be rendered redundant overnight.

Suffice to say the majority of Hammers supporters will be backing the Red Devils.

Now they have even more reason to be Man United fans for the day.

Because a top West Ham target has confirmed he is set to move in a statement but Spurs will crush hopes if they win the cup.

West Ham have made it clear sales are needed to fund signings this summer due to the club reaching its PSR limit.

Despite being among the most profitable clubs around, Daniel Levy has stated Spurs might have to sell to buy too, stating ‘we can’t spend what we don’t have’.

As a result, a vibrant free agent market will be attractive to the Hammers and Tottenham this summer.

The window opens in 11 days and it’s clear the London rivals need to be busy.

Hammers News revealed last month West Ham are working hard to deliver Graham Potter’s ‘dream’ signing Angel Gomes.

But as we reported at the time, Spurs have been ‘making it tough’ to get an agreement in place for the Edmonton-born midfield ace.

West Ham have been talking to versatile England midfielder Gomes on and off about a summer move to east London.

Tottenham and a number of other clubs – including Marseille – have been linked. But the prospect of Gomes signing a new deal with Lille has also been a possibility too.

Hammers News reported Graham Potter asked West Ham’s owners to bring him Gomes this summer when he first took over in January.

West Ham have held negotiations with Gomes’ agents but hit a brick wall when the player said he would not make any decisions until he had finished the season with Lille.

Well now Gomes has confirmed he is on the move and leaving Lille as a free agent.

The 24-year-old has confirmed his availability on his Instagram, days after another Hammers and Spurs free agent target Jonathan David did the same.

“After four unforgettable seasons in Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” Gomes said in his post, which you can see below.

“This club has been more than a team — it’s been my family, my home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch.”

Hammers News understands Man United now hold the key to West Ham’s chances to beating Spurs to Gomes.

If Tottenham secure Champions League football, the Hammers have no chance of landing him ahead of their rivals, a top agent source has told this site.

It is somewhat ironic given Gomes is a former Manchester United academy product.

A Tottenham defeat in the Europa League final, though, will give West Ham level pegging.

And it may even hand the Hammers a slight advantage because Gomes will be a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium.

West Ham also have a manager in place who Gomes knows desperately wants him whereas Tottenham are set for more upheaval with Ange Postecoglou all but certain to depart at the end of the season regardless of whether they lift the Europa League or not.

In four seasons, Gomes has made 134 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 19 assists.

West Ham United fans will be in disbelief after UEFA confirmed the referee for the upcoming Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

The decision will also spark concern for Man United boss Ruben Amorim and Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou nine days out from what is essentially a Champions League place decider.

West Ham enjoyed three consecutive – and unforgettable – years in Europe.

That included a run to the semi-finals and quarter-finals either side of winning the Europa Conference League.

Now the Hammers must sit back and watch as fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur look to end their long trophy drought against Man United, the team Graham Potter’s men have just comfortably beaten 2-0.

Going deep in Europe three seasons in a row means West Ham and their fans have seen a lot.

That includes a variety of refereeing standards and styles from across the continent.

Now West Ham fans will be stunned by UEFA’s Europa League final referee decision.

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And it is a case of Man United and Spurs beware as their seasons hinge on that Champions League decider in Bilbao on May 21st.

West Ham did so well in Europe – but it was often in spite of some questionable refereeing performances and decisions.

And it is one referee the Hammers met on their run to the Europa League semi-finals three years ago that Manchester United and Tottenham need to be aware of.

German official Felix Zwayer has been named as the official in charge of next week’s Europa League final.

The name will be instantly recognisable to West Ham fans.

And both Amorim and Postecoglou would do well to take a look at West Ham’s quarter-final tie against Lyon to see why.

Not least because West Ham were warned about Zwayer before that 2022 tie – and still fell foul of his officiating.

Then Hammers boss David Moyes was so incandescent with Zwayer he refused to discuss the official in post match interviews.

That was after Zwayer inexplicably sent off Aaron Cresswell in a 1-1 home draw which could have cost West Ham a place in the Europa League semi-finals.

Ahead of the clash it was reported how the man who will officiate Man United vs Tottenham in Bilbao was once suspended from football by the German Football Association.

Cresswell was ludicrously sent off just before half-time by Zwayer in that game and he barely gave West Ham a decision all match long.

To rub salt in the wound the German ref pandered to every Lyon dive and moan.

It was the game now remembered for the infamous Moussa Dembele wink after Zwayer lapped up his obvious dive to send Cresswell for an early bath. The official also booked David Moyes for good measure.

Thankfully, West Ham managed to romp to a 3-0 away win with a different official in charge over in France.

But don’t just take the word of West Ham fans for it.

Man United and Tottenham supporters may be interested to know that England star Jude Bellingham had said about Zwayer that same season.

Bellingham was so outspoken on Zwayer, he was fined.

The controversy which has followed the referee’s career surrounds a ban for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing plot.

Now 43, Zwayer was given a six-month suspension in 2006 after he was investigated for taking a £250 bribe from official Robert Hoyzer, who was subsequently handed a life ban.

It emerged that Zwayer, who has denied wrongdoing, was one of the officials to notify the authorities of Hoyzer’s match-fixing scheme and his relatively short ban was recognition of that.

He has since become one of UEFA’s top referees – as evidenced by the fact he’s been handed the Man United vs Tottenham Europa League final.

But West Ham fans, players and Moyes can testify just how bad things can get when the German is in charge.

Spurs and the Red Devils should consider themselves warned.

West Ham enjoyed a rare highlight in their dismal season with a 2-0 win at Manchester United but it seems both clubs had their minds on Spurs.

West Ham, Tottenham and Man United have all been as bad as one another in the Premier League season.

One look at the table provides all the evidence needed that the Hammers, Spurs and Red Devils are among the biggest underachievers in all of Europe’s top leagues.

There is no love lost between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

That’s why Hammers fans booed their team off for failing to beat a Spurs second string in their 1-1 draw last weekend.

West Ham saved some face by climbing above Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.

West Ham save face but Man United and Spurs have bigger priority

Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen sealed the club’s first league victory away at Man United for 18 years.

There is no hiding the fact West Ham’s last two opponents both have bigger fish to fry right now.

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That was evident in the team selections of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and Man United manager Ruben Amorim – who both made sweeping changes for their matches against the Irons.

The Europa League final looms large on the horizon for Man United and Tottenham in 10 days’ time.

West Ham made it to Europa League semi and quarter-finals either side of winning the Europa Conference League during a memorable three years in UEFA competition.

This year the Hammers have had a watching brief, though.

At one stage West Ham faced the prospect of seeing Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea win European trophies.

But while the Gunners were dumped out by PSG, the threat of Tottenham and Chelsea diminishing West Ham’s Conference League achievement of two years ago is now very real indeed.

And with little to play for in the league, the Europa League was on the minds of Hammers supporters as much as it was Amorim and Red Devils stars at Old Trafford.

West Ham fans aimed a new chant at Man United manager Amorim and his players about Spurs.

West Ham fans aimed new chant at Man United about Spurs

After succeeding where West Ham failed in the same competition three years ago and beating Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs, Tottenham cruised past Bodo-Glimt in the semi-final.

That set up an all-Premier League finale against Manchester United – who saw off Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate.

There has been much debate about whether Tottenham or Man United deserve a place in the Champions League for winning the Europa League, given they are the worst two teams in the top flight outside the relegated clubs.

But for West Ham it is the triple prospect of Tottenham ending their long trophy drought while bettering their own recent achievement while also qualifying for the Champions League which is giving those in claret and blue sleepless nights.

Being a more prestigious competition than the Conference League West Ham won nearly two years ago, it would take away the Hammers’ bragging rights over Spurs.

Indeed, West Ham fans’ chant – ‘We’ll be running around Tottenham with our European cup singing I’ve got a trophy haven’t you’- would be rendered redundant overnight if Spurs see off the Red Devils.

Man United were worryingly poor against the Hammers.

But the travelling Hammers faithful let Amorim and his stars know that game didn’t matter one bit as long as they succeed when it matters most.

West Ham fans, famed for their wit, had a new song – containing some choice language – at Old Trafford.

Hammers make Man United’s Spurs mission clear

And they chanted it relentlessly at Man United: “If you beat Spurs, you’re not all c—-” West Ham supporters belted out over and over during and after their 2-0 win.

It was clear for all to hear in the ground and on TV highlights.

Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst also picked up on the chant, posting about it on X.

As far as West Ham fans are concerned, Man United’s mission is clear.

Stop Tottenham taking away their glory, glory Man United in Bilbao on May 21st.

For them, the alternative does not bear thinking about.

Amorim had talks about becoming West Ham manager this time last year.

In the end the Hammers admitted it was too expensive for them.

But supporters will be hoping it was his destiny to save them from Spurs.

One suspects West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is the sort of footballer who could strike up a fearsome partnership with an inanimate, man-shaped mannequin.

Vladimir Coufal could not speak more highly of Bowen after so many prosperous afternoons together on the flank.

And if there were any concerns that the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Coufal’s subsequent shift towards a more back-seat role, would require a rebuild from the ground-up, the sight of West Ham United’s two right-siders dovetailing in recent months has at least put brief smiles on unhappy faces during the frown-filled Graham Potter era.

Wan-Bissaka has three assists in the Premier League this season. Two more in the final three matchdays, and this will be his most prosperous campaign yet in England’s top flight.

Both of Wan-Bissaka’s assists across 2025, meanwhile, were converted by the ever-reliable Bowen. Two months after Wan-Bissaka boosted his Hammer of the Year credentials during that shock 1-0 win at Arsenal – his superb delivery headed home by an unmarked Bowen – the £15 million signing from Manchester United set his skipper away to slot through Guglielmo Vicario’s legs and cancel out Wilson Odobert’s early opener on Sunday afternoon against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

It appears, no matter who starts at right-back these days, Bowen will bring the best out of his partner.

Jarrod Bowen hails Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s impact at West Ham United

Graham Potter is excited by the growing Wan-Bissaka – Bowen partnership. A rare plus point in a season of very few.

Bowen, meanwhile, did not waste the opportunity to highlight ‘The Spider’s influence since that summer switch from Old Trafford; Tottenham the latest team to get caught up in Wan-Bissaka’s net.

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“He’s been brilliant ever since he was walked through the door,” Bowen said. “He’s been in the Premier League for a few years now and shown his quality and done it week in week out here.

“Another assist for him. We knew that was a part of the game we could exploit. ‘Az’ bombing forward and them holding the line and trying to play offside, making those runs to get inside. And it worked perfectly to get the goal.

“But, yeah, ‘Az’ has been consistently good every single week. Every day in training. It’s a pleasure to play with him and have him in our ranks.”

Bowen hits back at critics after Tottenham Hotspur draw

While Wan-Bissaka is just one away from matching his career-best tally in terms of assists, England international Bowen now has double figure goals in three of his last four Premier League campaigns.

“Listen, when you’re captain all eyes and all questions are on you,” Bowen adds. “It’s not been the season we’ve wanted and there have been fingers pointed at me and I’m big enough to accept that.

“I’ve been here long enough and my ego is not going to be touched when people are asking questions. We haven’t been performing this season and I’m captain of this group, of course there’s going to be questions asked.

“I think one thing from me, I turn up every single week, every single day in training and get around the players as well as I know that I can.

“People don’t see me every single day working, how I am every single day. It’s just people’s opinions and you know football is a game of opinions.

“All I do is turn up every single day in training, try and be the best player in training, be the best teammate, be the best captain I can be in training and when it comes to the weekend consistently turn up and show what it means to play for this club.

“I think when you’re captain and when questions come to you, that’s all you can do and that’s all that I’ve tried to do this season.

“You know ultimately, maybe I’ve not done enough because of the position that we’re in. But I’ll never sit away and hide from it, I’ll always face the music, I’ll always face the critics that come with it but I’m trying.”

Jarrod Bowen once again rescued West Ham from an even worse fate in the 1-1 draw with rivals Spurs and he had a message for their chairman Daniel Levy.

They say there is no smoke without fire and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen is being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for a second season in a row.

Last summer Spurs chief Daniel Levy reportedly enquired to David Sullivan about signing Bowen.

The message back was that Bowen was not for sale after signing a seven-year deal until 2030.

But Sullivan is said to have told Levy he would need to pay £150m to stand any chance.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with Bowen again in the last two weeks. West Ham maintain their best player and talisman is not for sale.

Worrying source confirmed Levy’s Bowen plan

But this time a minimum price of £100m is being floated by sources close to Sullivan.

After a dismal 18 months for West Ham, many pundits and journalists have started the narrative that Bowen may have to leave to help his England ambitions.

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Especially as the 17th placed Hammers have missed out on Europe again for next season – by a long way – after three successive seasons playing across the continent.

Spurs have been just as bad as West Ham this season in the Premier League.

But Tottenham could see their season saved and find themselves playing Champions League football if they go on to win the Europa League after putting one foot in the final – where they’ll likely face Man United.

When Tottenham’s interest in Bowen re-emerged recently, it was scoffed at by West Ham fans.

Sullivan and co wouldn’t dare sell him to their big rivals, would they?

Especially since an unofficial transfer embargo has been in place between the two clubs since a furious boardroom row erupted when Levy pulled the plug on Emmanuel Adebayor’s proposed move from Tottenham to West Ham in 2015.

While West Ham continue to insist Bowen is one of the only untouchables in the current squad, money is a big issue in east London this summer due to PSR.

Supporters scoffing at Spurs’ interest in Bowen suddenly didn’t feel so confident when a top Hammers insider, who counts Sullivan as his key club source, delivered an ominous update on the situation.

Sean Whetstone revealed Levy has a cunning plan to try and prise Bowen away from West Ham and take him to Tottenham.

Whetstone said he had been told Tottenham “will” bid for Bowen this summer to “test West Ham’s resolve”.

And he stated that Levy thinks he can take advantage of West Ham’s precarious financial situation, which means they have no choice but to sell players.

After the worrying claim, West Ham fans rather desperately reassured themselves that Bowen’s Hammers fanatic father-in-law-to-be Danny Dyer simply wouldn’t allow that to happen.

But as has been proved too many times in the past in football, money often talks for clubs.

Bowen has made his feelings clear on Levy’s sly Spurs plan to lure him from West Ham, though.

Preying on West Ham’s poor financial state is as underhanded as it comes.

As laughable as some may see the Spurs rumours, the potential carrot of Champions League football is an elephant in the room.

All eyes were on Bowen when the rivals met at the London Stadium – quite literally on this occasion as Tottenham got to see his immense talent up close when he scored West Ham’s equaliser.

Kiss goodbye Bowen tells Spurs as he shows where loyalty lies

But it was what Bowen very deliberately did after that which sent a message directly to Levy watching on from stands.

Given the recent reports and the fact he lives in Essex surrounded by West Ham and Tottenham supporters, Bowen would be well aware of the speculation.

Future father-in-law Dyer would undoubtedly have brought the subject up too.

The 28-year-old made his stance abundantly clear for all – including Levy – to see.

As he wheeled away in celebration, Bowen pointed to the direction of his family’s box in the London Stadium.

He then lifted the West Ham badge from his shirt, raised it up, dusted it off and very deliberately kissed it.

If that doesn’t send a message to Levy and the fans, nothing will.

Kissing the badge against your biggest Premier League rivals after they’ve been linked with you – yet again – is akin to saying ‘I’m West Ham and I’m going nowhere’.

There has been little to nothing to shout about for Hammers fans for some time now.

But Bowen has at least given them this as a huge positive from their underwhelming draw against Tottenham’s reserve side.

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.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur really don’t like one another and what happened in the latest London derby proved it.

Whether it’s dodgy lasagnes, a star biting a player on his former team or court cases over spying scandals in a battle of a stadium, the rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham is a storied one.

There is simply no love lost between the Hammers and Spurs on the pitch, in the stands or the two boardrooms for that matter.

As far as this particular derby goes, there was little but saving face to play for at the London Stadium.

West Ham and Tottenham are enduring among their worst ever Premier League campaigns.

West Ham and Tottenham rivalry shows no signs of cooling

It looks likely to cost Spurs boss Ange Postocoglou at the end of the season, even if he leads them to Europa League glory.

Graham Potter has struggled since joining West Ham, picking up just three wins in his first 15 games ahead of Tottenham.

That record is now three in 16 after a drab 1-1 draw against Tottenham’s reserves – after Postecoglou made sweeping changes to rest players for their Europa League semi-final second leg.

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West Ham were booed off at full-time.

Things got off to a typically dismal start for Potter’s Hammers against their big rivals.

Former Spurs target Max Kilman has come in for criticism for his performances of late having impressed for the most part since joining for £40m from Wolves last summer.

But Kilman he did himself – and his team – no favours when he inexplicably twice kicked the ball against Tottenham’s Mathys Tel when all he had to do was pass it back to the goalkeeper, hook it clear or kick it out for a harmless throw-in.

Gifted the ball on the edge of West Ham’s box, Tel had the easiest assist of his career, laying the ball on a plate for Wilson Odobert to slot home.

Thankfully, though, West Ham fought back – albeit against Tottenham’s second string – to equalise through captain Jarrod Bowen.

‘Who else’ as Bowen is often seen mouthing at West Ham fans when celebrating.

Spurs fans taunt West Ham and get a brutal response

This time as the Hammers talisman wheeled away in celebration, there was a crowd interaction of a different kind.

A journalist has shared what a West Ham star did to the Spurs fans after the Bowen goal in front of them at the London Stadium.

Tottenham fans had been goading West Ham with various chants.

‘You sold your soul for this s——-‘ being one, ‘1-0 in your cup final’ being another.

There was even a rendition of ‘you’re just a s— team in Millwall’ from the visiting Spurs supporters.

They had those chants rammed down their throats – quite literally – when Bowen equalised, nutmegging Guglielmo Vicario to round off a sweeping move.

That’s according to The Evening Standard reporter Dom Smith.

The journalist was at the London Stadium to cover the game and revealed a Hammers player smashed the ball into the Tottenham fans as it bounced out of Vicario’s net following Bowen’s leveller.

And he says the ball caught a Spurs fan flush in the face.

“To add injury to injury, after Jarrod Bowen scored that equaliser, a West Ham player booted the ball in celebration into the away end and it throttled a Spurs fan square in the face,” Smith revealed.

“Life comes at you fast sometimes.”

Hammers ace smashed ball at Spurs fans with unerring accuracy

Now clearly actually hitting the supporter in the face wasn’t intentional on the West Ham player’s part.

And it is important that the fan in question is ok.

But there’s no doubt the player in question wouldn’t have to buy a drink if he went out in east London tonight, even after such a dismal season!

Whether the authorities take a look at the incident remains to be seen. It would be hard to argue any intention behind it after all.

Providing the supporter is unharmed, even Tottenham fans would probably find the incident funny.

It may be worth keeping an eye out on Match of the Day 2’s Too Good, Too Bad segment for it.

West Ham take on Tottenham Hotspur looking to salvage some semblance of joy from a miserable season and Graham Potter has named his team.

With no love lost between West Ham and Spurs, the heat is on Graham Potter for this Premier League clash.

The Hammers and Tottenham have nothing but pride to play for.

But that in itself is worth fighting for given what has unfolded at both clubs this season.

West Ham sit 17th in the table, the worst team in the Premier League outside the three relegated clubs.

Tottenham are just one point and one place better off, though, and have actually lost 19 games this term – three more than the Irons.

Potter will want to make that 20 given Spurs will be focused on their big Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo-Glimt in midweek.

Tottenham have one foot in the final as they take a 3-1 lead to Norway from the first leg.

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Many think the tie is over but Bodo-Glimt are good at home in their compact stadium and Spurs have shown plenty of fragility when the going gets tough this season.

So Ange Postecoglou can’t afford to take any chances with his top players against West Ham.

That only ramps up the pressure on Potter, who snapped after the Hammers collapsed to throw away a 2-1 lead and lose 3-2 in the dying stages at Brighton last week.

Potter had some big decisions to make over his team selection after that shambolic surrender.

Would he bring outspoken striker Niclas Fullkrug back into the starting XI to face Tottenham after dropping him at the Amex?

Would James Ward-Prowse be dropped after a series of underwhelming performances given Edson Alvarez’s return to training amid rumours of a ‘disagreement’ with Potter behind the scenes.

Would the Hammers boss stick with a back five or revert to a four?

Would young left-back Ollie Scarles come in for Emerson Palmieri, who was once again subbed off at Brighton – as he has been in every game he’s started under Potter?

Now those questions have been answered.

Because the confirmed West Ham team to face Spurs is in as Potter springs a big surprise.

Potter has finally dropped his favourite Ward-Prowse while 35-year-old Aaron Cresswell returns to the starting XI as the manager persists with a back five.

As predicted by Hammers News earlier today, Fullkrug does indeed return to the starting XI.

Confirmed West Ham starting XI to face Tottenham:

Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell, Emerson, Soucek, Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus, Fullkrug.

Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Soler, Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings, Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Evan Ferguson are named on the bench.

Confirmed Spurs starting XI for Hammers clash:

Meanwhile this is the confirmed Tottenham team Postecoglou is going with to face the Hammers.

Vicario, Gray, Danso, Davies, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Odobert, Kulusevski, Tel, Richarlison.

Some of the top Premier League pundits have had their say.

Four of the six leading pundits are in agreement about the West Ham vs Spurs clash.

Tottenham have the edge in these derbies throughout history.

Spurs have beaten West Ham 102 times while the Hammers have won 67.

There have been 55 draws.

West Ham boss Graham Potter has performed something over striker Niclas Fullkrug as he looks set to make two changes for the big clash with rivals Spurs.

Graham Potter is starting to feel the heat at West Ham, especially after the shambolic collapse at Brighton last week.

But it will go to new levels when the Hammers take on fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium.

There may be little to play for in the Premier League for West Ham or Spurs – but there is no such thing as a nothing game between the two clubs.

Both have bigger rivals in Millwall and Arsenal respectively.

West Ham vs Tottenham is right up there in the Premier League era, though.

Potter must wake up and smell the rivalry

Potter dropped a major Spurs clanger ahead of the game by saying he hopes they ‘finish the job’ in the Europa League.

The jury is out on Potter among many West Ham fans after just three wins in 15 games.

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And Hammers supporters were not happy at all with Potter’s Tottenham howler.

Fans were angry with the manager last weekend too.

Striker Niclas Fullkrug was hailed a hero for his angry West Ham outburst after Potter’s side threw away a 1-0 lead to draw with already relegated Southampton two weeks ago.

In truth West Ham should have lost that game.

While Hammers fans loved Fullkrug’s honesty, Potter did not, as he criticised the German before then dropping him at Brighton.

That was despite having no other striker options – frozen out Danny Ings besides – given Evan Ferguson was ineligible to play against his parent club.

West Ham fans aimed chants at Potter about Fullkrug during the 3-2 defeat at Brighton.

Fullkrug then doubled down with a new warning to Potter and West Ham after they threw away a 2-1 lead with six minutes to go.

There will be no hiding place or excuses for West Ham when they face Tottenham.

Potter makes two changes for Spurs after Fullkrug U-turn

Potter knows his side must ‘show up’ and he has to get it right too. Particularly as Spurs are expected to rest a host of key players for their Europa League semi-final second leg.

Under pressure Potter looks set to make two big West Ham changes for Spurs after a Fullkrug U-turn.

West Ham fans will forgive many things but they don’t like being taken for fools.

So when Potter insisted he did not drop Fullkrug because of his outburst, they were furious.

The German has been one of the team’s best players of late. So for Potter to suggest he wasn’t dropped was disingenuous, particularly as he had no other bona fide striker options at the Amex.

Fullrkug restored as West Ham revert to back four?

The manager has talked about West Ham delivering a front-footed approach against Spurs.

So it would surely make no sense to leave Fullkrug out again.

It is hoped Potter will see sense and restore the veteran striker to the starting line-up.

Especially as both Potter and Jarrod Bowen have also publicly criticised the team’s mentality since Fullkrug’s rant.

With Spurs set to field a weakened team, we think Potter will revert to a back four.

That could see young Ollie Scarles return to the starting line-up in place of Emerson Palmieri.

And Konstantinos Mavropanos will be the one to make way for Fullkrug to come back in up front in change number two.

Many West Ham fans feel James Ward-Prowse needs to come out of the side after a string of underwhelming performances in which he has been regularly subbed off.

But Potter seems to love Ward-Prowse and he is expected to retain his place despite the return to training of reported Tottenham target Edson Alvarez.

Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Tottenham:

Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Scarles, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta, Bowen, Kudus, Fullkrug.

Four of the six top pundits are in agreement about the West Ham vs Spurs clash.

The official team will be announced at 12.45pm.