Tottenham suffered another setback in their fight for a top 4 finish as they were held to a draw at the London Stadium.
They started brightly, taking the lead inside 5 minutes, with Brennan Johnson scoring the opener from a brilliant Werner assist.
But their lead did not last for long. West Ham scored the equaliser from the corner in the 19th minute. Kurt Zouma guided Jarrod Bowen’s inswinging corner into the back of the net with his back.
The Hammers grew in confidence after their goal, and proceeded to become a threat for Spurs.
Tottenham’s set-piece problem
Set-pieces is one thing Spurs have struggled with this season. Vicario has been a terrific signing but has looked uncomfortable defending corners and free-kicks.
Opponents have targeted Vicario from set-pieces with him being crowded inside the box as part of the strategy to make it difficult for him to grab on to the ball.
This strategy has worked for Manchester City previously, as well as Everton. And it worked for West Ham today as well.
Joe Cole slams Bissouma for neglecting his duties
Pundit Joe Cole singled out the Mali midfielder, blaming him for West Ham’s goal.
Bissouma was protecting Vicario but as the corner came in, he neglected his duty, stepping off, allowing Zouma to head it in to the empty net with Vicario in no where’s land.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said (quotes via TBR):
“They’ve looked a threat from set-pieces, particularly Bowen on this side. And they’re literally crowding Vicario here. It’s a lovely ball from Bowen, and Zouma just steps off. If you watch it, Bissouma’s there protecting Vicario. And then he just neglects his duties right at the end of it, steps off. Vicario goes, he’s in no mans land and it just comes off Zouma’s back.”
