The breaking news is that Spurs have now reached the League Cup quarter-final for the first time since 2014-15, when we eventually lost in the final to Chelsea – but won the Colouring The Arch Competition and a certificate proving that we had the Most Possession For A Losing Side Ever.
Last night however was a memorable win.
Tottenham’s xG (expected goal) ratio was 1.32, so expectations were exceeded when we put 3 past the other lot.
Equally, West Ham’s xG ratio was 1.68 so they really stumbled at the London Stadium.
One explanation is that we had our shooting boots on. I made reference to Son’s clinical finishing in the earlier blog, and this was where the magic happened.
Tottenham had just 6 shots and 5 were on target.
3 went in.
West Ham were Pot Shot Punters – they took 14 shots and just 4 hit the target; only one went in.
The accuracy rates were polar opposites. West Ham – 29%, Tottenham – 83%.
Speaking of accuracy, our passing was also sharper.
Not by much, but the devil is always in the detail.
Although we’re well past the point of giving any value to possession stats, here’s more proof they’re worthless.
West Ham 52.26% had Tottenham had 49.74%.
Conclusion
Spurs pulled off a coup here, Arsenal better be on top of their game.
