West Ham fans will have become accustomed to Chris Sutton’s downbeat predictions. The only thing more irritating than a Sutton-predicted Hammers loss is when the former Blackburn forward’s predictions come true. In true Sutton form, he is again predicting a West Ham loss away at Tottenham this weekend.
Looking beyond the headlines of the 3-1 prediction, the pundit does make some very revealing comments concerning Tottenhams vulnerabilities.
Sutton continues to taunt Hammers fans
Quoted in sportview.co.uk, Sutton suggests Spurs cracked under pressure against Brighton:” They fell apart in the second half against the Seagulls.”
Sutton confirms the reason for Tottenham’s failure was not down to Postecoglou’s methodology: “I don’t think Spurs’ defeat was down to his style of football, though. It was because of shocking defending, and the way they lost duels all over the pitch.”
Therein lies the secret to a Hammers’ victory – winning the one-on-one duels across the pitch with high pressing and snapping into the tackle.
If West Ham can generate this kind of urgency, desire and energy then they have an opportunity to cause Spurs the same kind of meltdown that they suffered against Brighton.
Hopefully Lopetegui and the players carry forward the high energy, fast-paced pressing game which was seen, and rehearsed, during training at Rush Green.
If they start slowly and sit on the back foot – defeat will loom large.
