West Ham and Tottenham Endure Lacklustre Stalemate in London Derby

West Ham United’s frustrating winless streak in the Premier League has now stretched to eight matches following a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium, a result that halted Spurs’ four-match losing run away from home.

The home supporters were vociferous in their demand for a penalty just seven minutes in, claiming that Yves Bissouma had handled Mohammed Kudus’ cross. However, their protests were dismissed, and it was Tottenham who struck first just before the 15-minute mark.

Djed Spence launched a hopeful long ball forward for Mathys Tel to chase, and the Frenchman displayed tenacity, forcing Max Kilman into a mistake.

Tel expertly laid off a pass to his compatriot Wilson Odobert, who had ample time to take a touch from six yards out before calmly slotting the ball into the net for his first league goal with Tottenham.

The Hammers reacted positively, but another appeal for a handball against Tottenham was ignored, with Ben Davies escaping any punishment this time.

However, just under 15 minutes after going behind, captain Jarrod Bowen levelled the score from a tight angle, finding the net after receiving a perfectly-weighted pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Richarlison had two golden opportunities to put Spurs ahead at half-time but first misfired by steering Spence’s ball over the crossbar, then his cross-shot failed to connect with the goal.

The first genuine chance after the break fell to the hosts as Kudus found Bowen at the back post, but the latter’s dipping volley went inches wide of Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.

Kudus continued to pose a threat to Tottenham, and in the 70th minute, his whipped cross met Niclas Füllkrug in flight, although the German was unable to direct his header on target.

Tottenham are still without their star player Son Heung-min, while James Maddison and Dominic Solanke were not risked after sustaining knocks in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League semi-final.

Ange Postecoglou’s side could have benefited from their presence, particularly given their difficulties in generating any meaningful opportunities in the second half.

Pape Matar Sarr’s powerful long-range attempt, which flew high over the bar, was as close as they came to scoring in another lacklustre domestic performance.

Bowen came close again with just under ten minutes to go, attempting a diving header towards the near post that Vicario had to react quickly to deflect away.

In the end, West Ham were unable to secure a victory that has eluded them since February, although they have now gone five consecutive home matches against Spurs without defeat.

The Hammers currently sit 17th, a point and a place behind Spurs, who are now focusing on their European commitments this week.

For more on the match, click here.