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Tottenham vs. West Ham preview: 5 keys to the match

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur shoots at goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on November 22, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur shoots at goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on November 22, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

2. Dimitri Payet’s magic

Payet is one of the most gifted footballers in the entire Premier League and when he’s been healthy, he’s been a difference maker for the Hammers. All indications are that he’s fully fit for today’s clash, so Tottenham will need to be aware of where the Frenchman is on the field at all times.

It’s no surprise that Payet leads his club in both goals and assists. He is the midfield engine that dictates their offensive success. The more time he can have on the ball, the more likely West Ham is to win this match.

Tottenham will look to use their pressing system to both keep the ball away from Payet’s feet and minimize his space anytime he does touch it. Look for the Spurs swarming mentality to be in overdrive every time the ball come Payet’s way.

That much attention could work against Spurs though. If they focus too much on Payet’s brilliance, they could find themselves leaving one of the team’s other quality attackers like Manuel Lanzini open. Tottenham will have to find the right balance of keeping their attention on Payet without allowing him to occupy too much of their focus.

Next: 1. Tottenham's defensive midfield

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