Spurs got back to winning ways on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
An own goal from Tomas Soucek opened the scoring early into the second half before Harry Kane made sure of all three points in the 82nd minute to make sure of all three points.
Despite a rather underwhelming first half, Spurs managed to get over the line comfortably in the end and a win will keep them on course for a late push towards the Champions League qualification places.
The win moves Spurs within four points of Manchester United in fifth which could be enough to secure Champions League football if Manchester City’s UEFA ban is upheld.
Jose Mourinho made three changes from the draw with United but the change in midfield shape proved the most significant against a defensively sound West Ham side.
The use of Giovanni Lo Celso in a double pivot role alongside Moussa Sissoko rather than Harry Winks added emphasis to how the Argentine would provide penetrative passing from a deeper-lying role.
With a front four of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura, the attacking options in front of Lo Celso would give him a chance to impress in possession.
However, a rather slow first half from Spurs characterised the performances of many players in front of the 24-year-old which limited the number of chances he could create in the final third.
To David Moyes’ credit, the Hammers performed well in the first half from a defensive point of view and even created a few opportunities for themselves. Nevertheless, a disallowed Son goal just before half time outlined how Spurs were perhaps more threatening in key attacking areas.
Lo Celso had been involved in the build-up to get the ball further forward and to Son before he hit the back of the net. And that type of involvement further forward showcased why he may be more effective further forward.
After the unfortunate Soucek had opened the scoring for Spurs, Lo Celso’s technical attributes became more profound with room in midfield to progress the ball up the pitch. In the 69th minute, for example, the 24-year-old was afforded more space in the middle of the park to showcase his skills in carrying the ball towards the opposition goal.
However, those opportunities were few and far between before Spurs went one goal to the good and that should be something Mourinho reflects on when deciding his best position.
It would probably be fair to say that Winks is a more effective option in a double pivot as an economical player in possession alongside Sissoko given the defensive structure against the top sides.
The chance to change shape to accommodate Lo Celso’s skillset in a midfield three could be something that Mourinho decides to experiment with if it becomes mathematically impossible for Spurs to qualify for the Champions League at some point.
Nevertheless, Lo Celso’s role in a deeper-lying role against West Ham indicated that it could be a role he has the potential to flourish in when given a sustained period there. He boasts the technical skills in possession to be able to play that role to great effect, it may just be a case of whether Mourinho feels he is better suited to playing in an advanced role between the lines.
