Irons made to pay a Dier price at death
by Rich Sprent
at Upton Park
Eric Dier’s stoppage time goal ensured a dismal start to the season as the Hammers slumped to defeat.
In a topsy turvey game which saw Kyle Naughton and James Collins sent off, the Hammers finally caved in in the last ninute.
Sam Allardyce’s tactics had Spurs running down blind alleys in the first half but when Naughton was sent off for handling Mark Noble missed from the spot.
Sadly though the Irons didn’t have sufficient guile to open up the visitors but the industious running of Kayoute was a sight to behold.
However, Collins blotted his copybook when sent off for a blatant body check on Adebayor.
Enner Valencia’s appearance in the final few minutes was a joy to behold and promiwed much for the future.
The guy has frightening pace and in the even minutes he was on the pitch was something else.
The Hammers had the best of the first half but Spurs came close to breaking the deadlock against the run of play as Lamela stole the ball off Noble and played in Aaron Lennon, who could only whip his shot over the bar.
Downing, though came close to winning it late on for West Ham when exchanging passes with Nolan on the edge of the Spurs box before forcing his way through on goal, with Lloris doing well to close in and block Downing’s shot.
Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, debutant Dier burst through the Hammers defence rounded Adrian and slid home the winner to give Spurs the points.
Irons MoM: Stewart Downing – constantly probing