Tottenham 4-1 West Ham: Five Talking Points from Spurs’ Thrashing of the Hammers

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino getting results in the Premier League trusting upon the English youth.

Tottenham Hotspur comfortably dispatched of London rivals West Ham United at White Hart Lane on Sunday evening, and continue their impressive start to the Premier League season.

West Ham were below par and couldn’t wait for the game to end, such was the dominance of the hosts. Here are five talking points from the one-sided encounter.

Tottenham looking like top-four contenders

While title-talk seems premature, Tottenham should certainly be considered as top four contenders in the Premier League now. The Londoners are currently fifth in the table after 13 games, and are just two points adrift of a top-four place.

No side have lost fewer games than Spurs, while only one team have conceded less goals in the league this season, and with Mauricio Pochettino’s young side enjoying a 12-game unbeaten run in the top-flight, it’s clear Tottenham are going to be genuine contenders for a Champions League spot.

Harry Kane fully recovered from his goal drought

Tottenham striker Harry Kane grabbed a brace against West Ham, and was named man of the match for his impressive display this weekend. The England international endured a goal drought in the Premier League earlier on in the season, but has turned his form around in brilliant fashion.

Kane now has eight goals in 13 Premier League games for Tottenham this campaign, and looks back to his best under Pochettino. He’s been scoring on international duty, and is greatly contributing with impressive all-round play, and it’s hardly a coincidence his goals are coinciding with Spurs’ brilliant run in the league.

Poor form creeping into West Ham

While there’s no shame in losing away to an in-form Tottenham side, West Ham have been struggling in recent weeks, and their form has taken a noticeable dip in the Premier League.

After a fantastic start to the season that included wins away to some Premier League giants, Slaven Bilic’s side have picked up just to victories from their last seven.

Still in the top-six of the division, the Hammers have failed to win in their last three, and desperately need to turn results around soon otherwise their dream of European football could be over.

Andy Carroll not ready for the Premier League

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll endured a difficult afternoon against a physical Tottenham backline who were diligent in their defensive duties throughout, ensuring the target man couldn’t harm them with his aerial threat.

Carroll was brought off in the 63rd minute, and in truth hasn’t been too effective in West Ham’s last few games since making his comeback from a lengthy injury layout. There’s a chance he could make way in their next outing as it seems the tall striker is struggling to keep up with pace of the game.

Tottenham’s English contingent continue to confound critics

50% of Tottenham’s outfield players were English against West Ham this weekend, and have been prevalent all through the season. Manager Mauricio Pochettino was brought in to overhaul the philosophy at the club, and he’s certainly done that with some aplomb.

The likes of Danny Rose, Kyle Walker, Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Ryan Mason, Andros Townsend are all homegrown talents, albeit not all academy products, but Tottenham are certainly doing their bit to aid the development of the country’s brightest talents.