Hammer blow to Spurs’ hopes
FATE: TOTTENHAM REMAIN SECOND BEHIND CHELSEA
Second-half strike by West Ham could end title challenge. London
Manuel Lanzini left Tottenham’s Premier League title challenge in tatters last night as the West Ham forward sealed a 1-0 win that put Chelsea within touching distance of being crowned champions.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side paid the price for a lethargic display at the London Stadium and Lanzini’s second-half strike may well have ended their hopes of winning the title for the first time since 1961.
Second placed Tottenham remain four points behind leaders Chelsea, who can extend that advantage to seven if they beat struggling Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Tottenham don’t play again until they host Manchester United on May 14 and by then Chelsea, who travel to West Bromwich Albion two days earlier, may already be champions.
Chelsea need six points from their last four games to secure the English title in boss Antonio Conte’s first season in charge.
Conte hadn’t planned to watch Tottenham’s fate, preferring to go to dinner with his wife and daughter, but if he was checking for updates from Stratford his dessert would have tasted even sweeter.
After a troubled first year at their new stadium, this was a sweet moment for West Ham, who guaranteed their top-flight status for another year while delivering a potentially fatal blow to their hated rivals.
Tottenham’s success has been built on the league’s best defensive record, but there was more concern for the visitors when Cheikhou Kouyate easily found space for a header straight at Hugo Lloris.
After a tepid start, Tottenham should have taken the lead midway through the first half when Harry Kane’s 20m strike was pushed out by Adrian. Dele Alli’s follow-up was blocked back to Kane on the edge of the area and the Tottenham striker looked certain to score, yet once again he was denied as Adrian’s outstretched leg deflected it over.
Spurs saw the brutal reality of missed chances in the 65th minute. Unhinged by Aaron Cresswell’s cross, the Tottenham defence parted too easily and when Ayew couldn’t control, the ball ran to the unmarked Lanzini, who drilled home from close-range.
Shock etched on their faces, Tottenham were unable to muster a response. –