Tottenham player ratings v West Ham: Midfield lets Pochettino down

Victor Wanyama-5.5

I was quite surprised when Wanyama didn’t make the starting XI for this match. I thought it was a perfect time to deploy him as a single defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation. It’s possible that his fitness wasn’t up to the task, but it sure seems like it would have been worth the gamble.

As it stands, Wanyama got about 20 minutes of action and didn’t make much of an impact. He broke up play when called upon, but looked rusty trying to move the ball forward. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Pochettino gives him the start against Wimbledon to increase his match fitness.

Erik Lamela-6

The Argentine attacker should have come onto the pitch sooner. He came on in a double substitution with Wanyama but he deserved considerably more time. An earlier entrance from Lamela could have been precisely what Spurs needed.

When he did come onto the pitch, he was his usual, productive self. It wasn’t a great assist for Son’s goal, but he still earned it. The more playing time he gets moving forward, the better the Tottenham attack will be.

Fernando Llorente-5

The Spaniard was Pochettino’s last roll of the dice and he didn’t provide much of anything at all. He carries the reputation as a target man, but he hasn’t been all that productive in the air for Spurs.

It’s fair to question whether or not Llorente really is the right man to cover for Harry Kane. He’s an interesting change of pace but that’s about it.

Next: Tottenham's race for Sessegnon gets clearer

Mauricio Pochettino-4

This was not the Argentine gaffer’s finest match. He set up the team too conservatively in the beginning and he failed to adjust in enough time to get Spurs the win. There is a fine line between being committed to your ideals and being too stubborn. Pochettino fell on the wrong side of it against West Ham.