Tottenham somehow contrived to throw away a three-goal lead as West Ham grabbed a remarkable 3-3 draw in their dramatic Premier League clash.
Heung-Min Son scored in the opening 45 seconds and Harry Kane got two all inside the first 16 minutes, but late goals from Fabian Balbuena, a bizarre Davinson Sanchez own goal and a Manuel Lanzini screamer saw West Ham snatch a point in injury time.
The Hammers barely had time to know they were playing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Son broke the deadlock inside the first minute. A pinpoint long ball from Kane in his own half was met by the South Korea international who clinically finished into the bottom corner.
And it was down Tottenham’s left-hand side that the north London club extended their advantage in the derby. Son popped up again and laid the ball off to the England striker who nonchalantly nutmegged Declan Rice before he characteristically smashed his shot home.
Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur StadiumGetty Images
Aside from Pablo Fornals misdirecting a point-blank header in the 50th minute, West Ham did not come to life until the final ten minutes as Gareth Bale came on to make his second debut in the 72nd minute.
The comeback began when Paruguay international Fabian Balbuena rose highest to direct Aaron Cresswell’s free-kick into the bottom corner eight minutes from time. Davinson Sanchez then erratically nodded a low Vladimir Coufal cross into his own net three minutes later. Bale narrowly fired wide in added time having left Angelo Ogbonna on the floor.
But the real drama came in the final seconds. Cresswell’s free-kick came out to Lanzini outside the box, who sent a swerving shot on goal which curved into the top corner – to the elation of the West Ham bench.
TALKING POINT – STUNNING ATTACKING, SHOCKING DEFENDING
Tottenham were in cruise control and their attack sparkled. But defensively Spurs crumbled when it ultimately mattered.
Defending set-pieces was an issue with two of the goals they conceded being a result of defenders out of position. However, nothing can take away from the remarkable strike of Lanzini in the final seconds.
MAN OF THE MATCH – HARRY KANE
Before the late drama took over the narrative of the match, Kane had put in a brilliant performance with two goals and an assist.
The England international is thriving playing almost as a false nine and his combination play with Son is a delight to watch. Eurosport
