Obiang and Son trade stunning strikes to light up Wembley stalemate
PEDRO Obiang and Son Heung-min each scored a stunner as Tottenham were held by West Ham to a 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Spurs had hit 20 shots by the time the Hammers took the lead with their first as Obiang beat Hugo Lloris with a blistering effort from 30 yards.
Son replied with his own spectacular long-range strike six minutes from time, but Tottenham were unable to find a winner.
The draw leaves Mauricio Pochettino’s side three points short of Liverpool in fourth, while West Ham climb to 15th.
Both sides had been afforded only 48 hours rest here after their last outing, but this contest lacked nothing for excitement.
For Spurs, this was another case of failing to break down a stubborn rearguard at home. These results could well cost them dear in May.
Harry Kane shook off illness to return to the starting line-up, while Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko also came in.
West Ham made three changes too, as the injured trio of Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell made way for Mark Noble, Javier Hernandez and Declan Rice.
Spurs showed no sign of fatigue as Kane almost steered in Christian Eriksen’s deflected cross.
After surviving an early onslaught, however, West Ham settled in, cementing 11 players in their own half. It had the intended effect on Tottenham’s attacks, which became ponderous.
Even the usually docile Kane grew frustrated. He harangued referee Mike Dean when Pablo Zabaleta seemed to pull him down at the back post.
With 70 minutes gone, Tottenham had reeled off 20 shots, so it was a cruel blow when West Ham scored with their first.
It was the finest attempt of the night so far as Obiang drifted inside from the left and sent the ball soaring past Lloris.
Cheikhou Kouyate could have made it two but fluffed a header and it was costly as Son struck. He lined up more centrally than Obiang, but his shot was no less emphatic, flying past Adrian.
West Ham had the best late chance but Andre Ayew was denied by Lloris. ARSENAL midfielder Jack Wilshere claims a new gluten-free diet has put him in the best shape of his career.
Wilshere starred in a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea on Wednesday, opening the scoring with a thumping finish.
Eden Hazard’s penalty levelled matters and a late goal from Marcos Alonso put Chelsea in front before Hector Bellerin equalised in stoppage time.
Wilshere produced another industrious display in central midfield, his sixth consecutive 90 minutes in the Premier League.
After enduring a nightmare few years with injury, he explained how a new diet has transformed his physical condition.
“I have been dairy and gluten-free now for six weeks,” Wilshere said.
“I feel that I look better, I have certainly lost a bit of weight and am leaner. I am probably fitter as well. I feel sharper and quicker on the pitch. I feel like I can last longer.
“For example, at the end of the Chelsea game when we scored the second goal, I felt, ‘Come on, we can go on again here’. I was pressing them and felt good.
“I know my body well, I know the right foods to eat and the best way to recover. I’m also getting the right amount of sleep. I think I’m in the best shape I have ever been.”
Wilshere said there had been “no progress” in talks on an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
But his performances will not have gone unnoticed by England manager Gareth Southgate, who has challenged Wilshere to play regularly for Arsenal before thinking about an international recall.
Arsenal now turn their attention to their FA Cup thirdround tie at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.