Tottenham’s latest victory at London Stadium was more than just three points—it was a statement.
As the camera swept across the front row of the directors’ box, the expressions of Tottenham’s new leadership—Vivienne Lewis, her son-in-law Nick Beucher, and CEO Vinai Venkatesham—were unreadable. Yet, behind those calm faces, they were surely thrilled.
After all, seeing your team three goals up against city rivals rarely feels anything but satisfying.
Thomas Frank’s Set-Piece Masterclass
Tottenham’s head coach Thomas Frank has clearly turned set-pieces into a weapon.
West Ham struggled to cope with Spurs’ aerial threat and physical presence, leaving them unable to gain a foothold in the match.
Pape Matar Sarr opened the scoring with a header from a corner early in the second half, and Lucas Bergvall doubled the lead moments after West Ham was reduced to ten men when Tomas Soucek was sent off for a studs-up challenge.
Micky van de Ven wrapped up the scoring in the 64th minute, completing a dominant display and sending the London Stadium crowd streaming for the exits.
West Ham’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, did manage to keep Mohammed Kudus from adding a fourth, but the result was never really in doubt.
Debuts and Deadline-Day Drama
Tottenham’s new £51million signing, Xavi Simons, made his debut on the left wing.
He impressed early with a jinking run inside after 17 minutes, nearly creating a goal from a corner that followed.
Meanwhile, striker Randal Kolo Muani, acquired on deadline day, didn’t even leave the bench—proof that Spurs had the game well under control.
Mohammed Kudus returned to the stadium where he spent last season, and the home fans made their feelings known.
He was jeered throughout the match, with every successful tackle against him earning applause from the West Ham supporters.
Spurs’ Set-Piece Dominance
Tottenham’s dominance from set-pieces was relentless.
In the first half alone, they launched eight corners into a crowded West Ham penalty area, making life nearly impossible for the defenders.
Their towering attackers kept Hermansen pinned to his line, and the visitors struggled to clear the ball effectively.
Van de Ven even had a penalty claim turned down after being wrestled to the ground by Mateus Fernandes.
If there was a foul on him, the argument went, then perhaps it could have gone the other way as well.
Nevertheless, Spurs’ persistence paid off once the second half began.
West Ham Struggle to Break Through
West Ham showed flashes of attacking intent, especially through Malick Diouf’s runs down the left, but they lacked a reliable target in the box.
Lucas Paqueta tried to lead the line, and Niclas Fullkrug remained on the bench, but Spurs’ defense held firm.
Their only notable chance of the first half came in the 14th minute, when a slick move down the left ended with Paqueta dragging a low shot wide.
By the time the second half started, Spurs were ready to strike.
Sarr’s header from Simons’ corner marked the opener, quickly followed by Bergvall’s looping header after Soucek’s red card made the task even harder for West Ham.
Red Card Turns the Tide
Soucek’s studs-up challenge on Palhinha earned him a straight red, leaving West Ham down to ten men.
Just moments after his exit, Spurs’ attacking machine struck again.
Bergvall’s clever run behind the center-backs and a precise header over Hermansen made it 2-0, followed by van de Ven’s third, prompting the home crowd to exit and the away supporters to erupt in chants.
Final Thoughts on a Dominant Performance
For Tottenham, this was a day that had it all: dominance, clinical finishing, and a debut for a marquee signing.
For West Ham, it was a tough lesson in coping with aerial threats and physicality under pressure.
As the new Spurs leadership settles in, the message is clear—this team can achieve great things, and London rivals will have to take notice.