Premier League: Tottenham slips in top-four race as Antonio gives West Ham 1-0 win

Michail Antonio scored the first opposition goal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as West Ham overcame Spurs on Saturday.

Published : Apr 27, 2019 20:38 IST

Tottenham Hotspur slipped up in the race for Champions League qualification as it succumbed to a 1-0 Premier League defeat to West Ham United.

Mauricio Pochettino's side relied on Christian Eriksen's 88th-minute stunner to secure the points against Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday, and a sluggish display this time around was punished when Michail Antonio hammered home in the 67th minute - marking the first time Tottenham has conceded at its new home.

The host - who has a Champions League semifinal first-leg tie with Ajax next up on Tuesday - had its chances with Son Heung-min particularly wasteful and Vincent Janssen denied on the line late on, while Lukasz Fabianski was typically impressive in West Ham's goal.

A lacklustre showing was made worse as Antonio slammed in from close range to inflict a first defeat on Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and keep the top-four race wide open.


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West Ham United goalkeeper Fabian Balbuena came to his team's rescue with a goal-line clearance to deny substitute Vincent Janssen an equaliser.

Son should have done better when played through by Dele Alli in the 11th minute but the South Korea forward failed to generate enough power to beat Fabianski. Felipe Anderson demonstrated similar profligacy soon after, drilling straight at Hugo Lloris after driving clear down the left, while a crisp Lucas Moura strike flashed wide at the other end.

Marko Arnautovic was the next to test Lloris as West Ham grew in confidence after the restart, though Tottenham wanted a penalty when Son went down under pressure from Arthur Masuaku after failing to get a shot off.

West Ham's resilience was rewarded soon after, Antonio expertly controlling Arnautovic's cross before sending a rasping strike past Lloris. But with Antonio and Diop both squandering chances to make sure of the win, Fabian Balbuena came to West Ham's rescue with a goal-line clearance to deny substitute Janssen an equaliser.

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What does it mean? Spurs stutter ahead of Ajax

Given Ajax's rampant form, Pochettino will have hoped for a much more convincing display from his side ahead of Tuesday's encounter. But while their current Champions League campaign is no doubt a priority, Spurs' defeat has opened the door for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – the latter two meeting on Sunday – to take advantage.

Son feeling the strain?

Tottenham's forward is a remarkably consistent performer, but there were signs on Saturday that he was not quite at his sharpest. Son will miss Tuesday's clash with Ajax through suspension, and while Pochettino will loathe to be shorn of one of his star players, the enforced rest may well do the South Korea international some good.

 

 

What's next?

Tottenham's focus will switch to its first ever Champions League semifinal, when Ajax visits north London. West Ham face Southampton in its penultimate game of the season next Saturday.

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