Tottenham Hotspur are looking to get their form back on track as they take on West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend.
- Date: 19/10/2024
- Kick-off time: 12:30
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, North London
Tottenham’s performances so far this season have encapsulated both the potential and the pitfalls of the team under Ange Postecoglou. Known for his risky attacking philosophy, Postecoglou's arrival last summer was greeted with optimism, but this season the team’s results have been a mixed bag, with a lack of consistency in performances holding Spurs back from making a more significant impact in the league.
After a difficult start, there were signs that Spurs were starting to move through the gears, with Spurs delivering some improved performances that suggested they had turned a corner. Yet, that optimism was severely dented last weekend when Tottenham blew a 2-0 lead against Brighton & Hove Albion, eventually losing 3-2 in what could prove to be a damaging defeat.
The defeat at Brighton marked a pivotal moment in Tottenham's campaign, as such a collapse has raised questions over whether this team is just another iteration of what many regard a typical Spurs side.
As a result, Saturday’s match against West Ham is a huge opportunity for Spurs to steady the ship and get back on track. A win would provide a much-needed boost and relieve some of the pressure that had started to mount on Postecoglou earlier in the season, but equally, another defeat could stoke further uncertainty around his reign and the club’s direction under his leadership.
One positive for Tottenham has been the resurgence of Brennan Johnson, who is starting to rediscover his best form after a difficult spell, with the Welsh forward now scoring in six consecutive matches, and his renewed confidence in front of goal could be crucial as Spurs look to get back in the Champions League this season.
West Ham United, like Spurs, are another club in transition this season. With Julen Lopetegui taking charge in the summer, there were high expectations for the Hammers to push on after significant investment in their squad during the transfer window, but the early signs have been underwhelming, with West Ham managing just two wins in their opening seven matches.
Currently sitting in 12th place with eight points, West Ham's slow start has led to growing pressure on Lopetegui to deliver results. The Spaniard arrived with a strong reputation after successful stints at Sevilla and most recently Wolves, but his tenure at West Ham has not yet ignited in the way many had hoped. Nevertheless, the Hammers’ most recent outing provided some cause for optimism, as they secured their best result of the season in a resounding win over Ipswich Town.
Despite their slow start, West Ham can take encouragement from the individual performances of Jarrad Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, both of whom have been standout players for the Hammers in recent weeks. Bowen, in particular, has been a consistent threat in attack, contributing two goals and two assists, with his ability to make intelligent runs and find space behind defences proving a crucial outlet for West Ham.
Mohammed Kudus, another summer signing, is a player who regularly shows glimpses of world-class potential, and his versatility in attacking midfield often proves indispensable for the Hammers, who will likely have trouble keeping hold of the Ghanian for too much longer.
The Hammers have a decent recent head-to-head record against Spurs, so they'll back themselves to take something from this game. It won't be easy though, as Spurs are very tough to topple on home soil.
Premier League 
