Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United in the lunchtime kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday. It’s two sides who may be slightly disappointed with how their season has started, and we could be set for an exciting encounter in the capital.
By Matt Smith
Spurs have shown plenty of inconsistency so far this campaign, producing some exceptional performances and results while also unnecessarily throwing away comfortable leads and dropping points. Sitting in ninth with three wins, three losses, and a draw, Ange Postecoglou’s side haven’t quite kicked into gear just yet.
Despite their disappointing performances, Spurs might consider themselves unfortunate not to have picked up more points. The north London outfit have created 15 expected goals, more than any other Premier League side.
Dejan Kulusevski has been tasked with a central, deeper role in midfield of late, and he’s beginning to flourish under Postecoglou. Although providing just two goals and assists combined, the Swedish star has been a creative threat in the middle of the park, given the freedom to drift into wide areas from a central position.
After throwing away a two-goal lead against Brighton, losing the game 3-2, Postecoglou’s men will be desperate to bounce back in a London derby against the Hammers.
It’s been an inconsistent start to the campaign for Julen Lopetegui’s side who currently find themselves sitting in 12th position in the table. An emphatic 4-1 victory against Ipswich last time out has allowed them to create a bit of breathing room from the relegation zone.
Disappointingly, West Ham have conceded 11 goals this term, but Lopetegui has taken some time to bring in the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo after joining in the summer. Niclas Füllkrug, who also joined in the transfer window, is yet to get going after picking up regular injuries.
Jarrod Bowen has undoubtedly been a standout for the Hammers this year. The England international is a consistent performer and provider in the final third, producing four goals and assists combined this season. Despite West Ham bringing in a host of new midfielders in the summer, Tomáš Souček is continuing to prove his worth, scoring twice in just five games.
In this fixture last season, West Ham came away with a 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, so Lopetegui’s side will be hoping for a repeat performance as they make the short trip to north London.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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