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His performance was indicative. Because what this Spurs side of Conte’s do is take control of a game without hint of flamboyance. As for instance when, from a Kulusevski cross, there was a scramble in the box and the referee Peter Bankes signalled a penalty, assuming Aaron Cresswell had handled the ball. After a three and a half minute long VAR deliberation, including a trip to the pitchside monitor, his decision was overruled.
West Ham responded. As is his wont, Declan Rice was lively and determined, hitting a fearsome volley that tested Lloris. Michail Antonio, meanwhile, hit the outside of the post with a curling shot that arced beyond the Spurs keeper’s reach.
But the danger of a Tottenham breakaway was always there. And when a West Ham attack was broken up, a galloping Kane passed to Kulusevski. He crossed and the unfortunate Kehrer put it into his own net as Son Heung-Min came piling in. It was the seventh own goal West Ham had conceded in the league since the start of the 2020-21 season, the most of any side in the top flight.
Not much appeared to have changed after the interval. Kulusevski charged down the wing and crossed for Son. A West Ham boot cleared for a corner. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was winding up the home fans, going down several times for treatment, at one point sinking to his knees apparently because he required a change of boot.
But then West Ham exacted proper revenge for his delaying tactics. With his back to goal, Antonio received the ball from a long throw into the Spurs area. He deftly took control and sent Tomas Soucek away with a lovely reverse pass. The Czech did the rest, taking a touch then stretching his long limbs out to beat Lloris with a fine shot.
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