West Ham were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of London rivals Tottenham as injuries and illness caught up with the Hammers.
David Moyes was already without a number of injured defenders and the suspended Vladimir Coufal before Michail Antonio tested positive for coronavirus.
Three goals in five minutes sparked what had been a scrappy affair into life.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg took advantage of some lax West Ham defending to drive into the box, exchanging passes with Steven Bergwijn before crossing low back to the feet of the Dutchman who scored his first of the season from close range.
West Ham responded immediately, with Tomas Soucek drawing two acrobatic saves from Hugo Lloris before the Frenchman was beaten by Jarrod Bowen.
Nikola Vlasic, in search of his first West Ham goal, dragged a low shot which found the feet of Bowen, the forward controlled well and turned Eric Dier and fired past Lloris. Having lost their lead after just three minutes, Spurs went about restoring it in two.
With white shirts packing the area, Bergwijn turned provider and drove past Manuel Lanzini before crossing low through a melee of bodies into which Lucas Moura arrived to force home his second in as many games.
West Ham controlled the second half but were struggling to take advantage of their dominance. David Moyes introduced Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma to find an equaliser and the latter sent one effort over the bar and flashed a dipping volley wide of the far post. That was as close as the Hammers would come, however.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated West Ham…
Alphonse Areola - 6
Little the French goalkeeper could have done about the two goals from close range. Made a good save from Harry Kane when the scores were level.
Harrison Ashby - 6
Struggled early on but grew in influence as the game went on and delivered some good crosses from the right.
SPURS LEAD
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2021
Bergwijn finishes a great move and a vital lead for the hosts
📺 Watch Spurs v West Ham on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/e4NYLLRMDm
Ben Johnson - 6
A boost to have Johnson back from injury, the youngster was asked to play in a back three and was solid on his return in an unfamiliar position.
Craig Dawson - 6
Turned too easily for Tottenham’s opener and looked ropey in the first-half but improved after the break.
Issa Diop - 6
The more commanding of the three at the back, defended aggressively against the Spurs forward line.
Arthur Masuaku - 6
Indecisive on the ball in the first half but improved after the break and was a threat down the left.
Declan Rice - 8
Sloppy in the build-up to the opener but got on the ball and looked to drive West Ham forward during the second-half, the midfielder was perhaps West Ham’s biggest threat late on.
Tomas Soucek - 7
Tested Lloris with two good headers and dominated midfield along with Rice in the second half.
Nikola Vlasic - 5
Claimed an assist for Bowen’s goal though that came from a mishit shot. Has had time to settle in and needs to make more of an impact on games now.
Manuel Lanzini - 6
Some good touches in midfield and created two good chances, slowed a little before being replaced however.
Jarrod Bowen - 7
Took his goal very well with sharp footwork to create the space to shoot. Lead the line well but lacked the chances to find a leveller.
Substitutes
Said Benrahma - 7
Brought plenty of energy and gave Tottenham something to think about at the back. Came close with his volley past the far post.
Pablo Fornals - 6
Some smart touches on the ball but struggled to create too much.
Andriy Yarmolenko - N/A
