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5 Tottenham lessons from the West Ham loss

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur stands dejected during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur stands dejected during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at Boleyn Ground on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur clears with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 14, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur clears with Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 14, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

3. Mousa Dembele is a big miss

I realize this isn’t news to fans who’ve watched Tottenham closely all season long, but defensive midfielder Mousa Dembele has been immense for Spurs all year-long. He was hugely missed against West Ham.

Without Dembele, Pochettino was forced to rely on the untested partnership of Eric Dier and Ryan Mason at Upton Park. The result was a first half where Tottenham was overwhelmed in the middle of the pitch. It prevented Spurs from seeing much of the ball and from establishing the slightest bit of offensive rhythm.

Dembele would have likely been able to stand up to the Hammers myriad of physical players. What he lacks in pace, he more than makes up for with his ability to hold on to the ball against all odds. He could have stemmed the tide for Tottenham in a big way yesterday.

The good news for Spurs fans is that Dembele should be in contention to start this weekend against Arsenal. That should allow Pochettino to go back to his first choice partnership of Dier and Dembele. That will be a welcome sight for fans at White Hart Lane.  Mousa Dembele has been a revelation for Pochettino this season and his return to fitness is a requirement for Tottenham’s push for a title.

Next: 2. Harry Kane needs some rest

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