This weekend saw West Ham United travel to North London to face bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a pulsating London derby.
Holding the advantage at 1-0 through a Mohammed Kudus strike, it was not too long until Ange Postecoglu’s side bit back as Dejan Kulusevski trickled the ball over the line to make it level at the break.
The two teams than entered the pitch for the second 45’ where Spurs were relentless, putting 3 past the Hammers in less than 10 minutes - a dismal defensive display from Julen Lopetegui’s side.
The final whistle was soon blown and Weat Ham travelled back to East London, humiliated after a 4-1 thrashing.
West Ham Ratings:
Alphonse Areola - 3
Denying Tottenham an equaliser early on, the Frenchman did outstandingly well to stop a deflected shot from off the head of Rodriguez sail into the back of the net in the 34th minute.
However besides this, the Parisian looked shaky in goal at times and displayed some terrible distribution out to his defenders. Additionally, he could’ve done much better for the first goal as a poor shot from Kulusevski deflected off the Frenchman’s hand and bounced off both posts until eventually rolling over the line.
His misfortune would yet continue as he saved a Son strike from nestling into the bottom right, however the ball was spilt allowing it to hit Todibo and then Areola again before trickling over the line to make it 3-1 - an own goal from the keeper.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 6
One of the better West Ham players on the pitch throughout the match, the ex-Manchester United full-back did very well defensively against a tough opponent in Son, whilst also attempting to get the Hammers attack flowing at times by pushing forward.
Let down by others in defence, Wan-Bissaka was the silver lining in a very poor West Ham display, yet again proving his worth and how much of a bargain he was at £15 million.
Jean-Clair Todibo - 4
A complete opposite version of the player he was against Ipswich Town a fortnight ago, the Frenchman did well in the first 45 but struggled to keep his shape in the second half.
Heavily at fault for Spurs’ third, the Hammers defender seemed to have lost his head after this unfortunate mishap and was abandoned at the back for Son’s goal - Tottenham’s fourth.
However despite this, the number 25 recovered well against Dominic Solanke to deny Spurs their fifth of the afternoon.
Max Kilman - 5
One of the Hammers top performing players so far this season, the Englishmen yet again did well alongside Todibo in the first half, but struggled in the second as Spurs applied constant pressure, which lead to some inexcusable defensive mistakes from the Hammers backline, as they conceded 3 goals within 15 minutes.
Emerson - 6
Another silver lining in a poor West Ham defence, the Italian did very well to close down an inform Brennan Johnson, whilst making some vital runs into midfield to push the play forward at times.
Guido Rodriguez - 5
The Argentinian was once again named in Lopetegui’s starting XI for the 8th time this season, with the midfielder still struggling to adapt to the intensity and pace of the Premier League, leading many fans to question if Guido could keep up with Tottenham’s quick pace and pressure.
Doing very well to defend West Ham’s advantage in the first half, the no24 was elating under the pressure and looked extremely confident defensively - intercepting many of Spurs’ passes and closing down many of their attempts at pushing forward.
But just like many others, Guido fell apart in the second half.
Not having enough pace nor agility to keep up with the speed of half-time substitute Pape Sarr, the Argentinian crumbled under pressure, leading to Tottenham’s 10 minute demolition of West Ham.
Tomas Soucek - 4
Contributing very little during the match, the Czech also lacked both mobility and pace in midfield, allowing Tottenham to be in complete control throughout the majority of the game.
With both midfielders clearly not working up to the standards of the Premier League, many questions must be asked on manager Julen Lopetegui and his decisions regarding team selection.
Lucas Paqueta - 2
Arguably the worst player in the pitch, the Brazilian has consistently shown no effort for West Ham this season.
Constantly throwing himself onto the floor and losing physical battles in midfield, the Hammers no10 seems to be making continuous errors, with one from the Brazilian leading to Spurs’ equaliser in the first half - a foolish flick pass, easily giving away possession, allowing Tottenham to break.
Picking up another booking this week, the South American’s faults did not end there as he contributed to the Lily White’s third of the afternoon - yet again easily giving away possession in minefield.
Jarrod Bowen - 6
Playing for the badge as always, the Hammers’ skipper did well to set up Mohammed Kudus for the opener in addition to dominating Udogie for the majority of the game.
However he struggled to find that attacking spark in the second half, whipping some lethargic corners into the box, and seemed to hang his head after Spurs converted their third to kill the game off.
Mohammed Kudus - 7
Missing a chance early on to make it 1-0, the Hammers starboy then wasted no time and blasted a shot top left, past Vicario and over the head of Pedro Porro to give the Irons a 1-0 lead.
Still forced to play out of his natural position, Kudus continued to show his class and seemed to be the only one whom actually wanted to try for the Hammers.
Unfortunately this passion turned sour very quickly as tension began to boil between the Ghanaian and Tottenham defender Van de Ven, with Kudus performing an act of violent conduct, pushing both the Dutch defender and Pepe Sarr in the face during an unprofessional brawl between both sides in a tense derby.
Referee Andrew Madley was advised by VAR to punish Kudus and send him off due to his foolish actions, receiving a 3 match suspension - a huge loss for the Hammers.
Michail Antonio - 4
With summer signing Nicolas Füllkrug still absent due to injury, Michail Antonio was quickly rushed back into first team football after spending the last 2 weeks with his national team Jamaica.
Outpaced and outplayed by the stellar defender whom is Micky Van De Ven, the ageing Hammers no9 struggled and looked more than tired when exiting the pitch on the hour mark as he made way for substitute Crysencio Summerville.
Substitutes
Carlos Soler - 4
The Spaniards highlight of the game would be his unnecessary yellow card as he struggled to impact the game.
Edson Alvarez - 4
Surprisingly benched, the Mexican played well defensively as was confident on his 50th appearance for the club.
Crysencio Summerville - 4
Like so many others, the Dutchman contributed very little going forward and was unlucky to come on during such a tough period of the game.
Konstantinos Mavropanos - 4
Defended well for the last 20 minutes to deny Spurs their fifth.