Spurs' victory against West Ham provides more early season optimism for fans
Following an international break without any injuries for Spurs, a strong eleven pulled apart a disjointed West Ham side, whose early season struggles continue. An excellent display from Lucas Bergvall and a debut for Xavi Simons were among the talking points of Saturday's tea-time fixture. But what else can be unpacked from this performance?
The Build-Up
Thomas Frank's preview press conference contained the discussion about Daniel Levy's departure, where the Spurs manager paid tribute to his tenure at the club claiming he 'deserves massive praise,' whilst also stressing the idea that he wants to 'focus on what is in front of me.' He hinted at the possibility of a Simons debut and told journalists that loanee Kolo Muani may need more time to get up to fitness. Spurs were not victims of international break injuries with Solanke still out from before the Bournemouth game, leaving Frank with plenty of choice for his trip to East London.
The announcement of Nottingham Forest's appointment of Ange Postecoglou left some Spurs fans with a sour taste in their mouth (including mine) at the idea that perhaps he moved on too soon to a club that had caused such jeopardy just months before during the ordeal of Morgan Gibbs White's failed transfer. Yet, I do not want to be the one to call out Mr Marinakis and his potential faults so I will stay silent. It was almost inevitable after Nuno Espirito Santo's harsh sacking that recent Europa League champion Postecoglou would be appointed but seeing him at a different Premier League club did hurt a little.
Is it possible to wish Ange the very best while simultaneously wishing Marinakis the very worst?
— Simon Yemane (@simonyemane) September 9, 2025
If so, that’s where I land.
Matchday
Spurs made changed to the starting 11 that were defeated by Bournemouth including Mathys Tel, who had been left out of the registered Champions League squad, dividing the fanbase. They also gave Lucas Bergvall his second start of the season, in a midfield that excited myself and the majority of fans. Xavi Simons was given his debut on the left wing, a position that we knew he could play in as well as an offensive midfield role. West Ham had entered the international break optimistically with a convincing win over Nottingham Forest and gave Summerville a start after his encouraging performance off the bench two weeks prior to Saturday's game. Of course a big talking point of the game and build up was Mohammed Kudus, who returned to the London Stadium and greeted with hostility from the home fans. It was reported that he did have friendly talks with West Ham staff on Saturday and I'm sure the Hammers fans would have given him the same hospitality if they had been able to speak to him...
Derby Day is here ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/KN7zKaY1qQ
— Central (@WestHam_Central) September 12, 2025
The first half wasn't entirely dominated by Spurs, with Paqueta missing a decent opportunity in the opening 20 minutes. With that being said, the main talking point of the half came from a Spurs disallowed goal, with referee Jarred Gillett coming to the conclusion that there had been a foul on former Spurs boy Kyle Walker Peters as the ball was perfectly powered in by captain Romero. In my opinion, the 'foul', only took place because of the push in the back from Mateus Fernandes, which caused Van De Ven to fall into the back of Walker Peters, but this was overlooked by VAR who confirmed the on field decision leaving the score goalless at half time.
Before fans even had time to take their seats for the second half, Spurs' ninth corner of the match was delivered high over the defence and headed in by Pape Sarr, to continue his fine start to the season. Xavi Simons registered his first assist for the club and clearly the Spurs coaching staff had to take some credit for the opening goal of the game.
The game quickly was lost for West Ham as Soucek's rash tackle on Joao Palhinha was quickly deemed a red card on field, without much protest from the Czech international. Seconds later, an Alderwiereld-esque ping from Romero was headed in spectacularly from Lucas Bergvall to double the lead and register his first Premier League goal. His excellent performance was finished off with a smart assist for Van de Ven who found himself in the box in the aftermath of a corner to smartly slot away a third goal. Ole's could be heard from the away end and Kudus showboating seemed to signify the control and confidence that Spurs had. Kolo Muani did not feature as a substitute but Destiny Udogie returned for the first time playing since the Europa League quarter final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt. As the final whistle blew, an already half empty London Stadium was soon only left with celebrating away supporters, who didn't have too far to travel home. West Ham's early season woes continue and many see Potter as the man to blame.
An Analysis
So, 3 wins in 4 for Spurs with only 1 conceded and 8 scored. Other than the poor display against Bournemouth, Frank's managerial start has been pretty faultless and the same can be said about the players. So far Sarr, has impressed me the most this season with his impressive ball carrying and ability to break up the play with interceptions. Sarr under Ange was an interesting player, not featured every week and often deployed in a role that gave him less freedom. Perhaps the injuries to Maddison and Kulusevski have allowed him to become a more offensive player, but in my opinion, this is the most I have enjoyed watching him since his arrival.
Himself paired with Bergvall is something that excited myself and other Spurs fans greatly- Two young midfielders with versatility in their game and an energy that seemed be lacking last season. Romero and Van De Ven also continue to prove themselves as a solid duo who differ in style but complement each other. If they both remain fit (which is always the worry) then I see last seasons defensive issues not remaining. Another talking point was Tel, who had a decent performance on Saturday but not one that convinced fans that his best position was a striker. With the arrival of Kolo Muani, you would assume that he would be moved out wide when playing in a more inverted role, offering something different compared to the likes of Kudus.
With the Champions League curtain raiser against Villareal quickly approaching, Thomas Frank I'm sure will feel optimistic that his side has enough depth to be rotated (if necessary) and still kickstart their return to Europe's elite competition with three points.
COYS!
