5 things Tottenham learned in their 3-1 victory at West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min applauds the fans following the English League Cup football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on October 31, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /

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West Ham United’s English midfielder Michail Antonio (R) tackles Tottenham Hotspur’s English defender Kyle Walker-Peters during the English League Cup football match between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur at The London Stadium, in east London on October 31, 2018. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. /

4. Kyle Walker-Peters is not ready

There are plenty of Premier League footballers who struggle with the physicality of Michael Antonio on a regular basis. Even so, Walker-Peters inability to match his strength was obvious all match long. The young fullback was fortunate he wasn’t booked early in the match, and he easily could have given up a goal in the second half.

In other words, everyone on social media who’s been criticizing for Pochettino for not playing Walker-Peters needs to shut up and trust the gaffer. For the record, that includes me.

The unfortunate reality is that Walker-Peters just isn’t strong enough to play as a fullback against Premier League competition at this point in time. He needs more time for his body to mature. There’s no way to know exactly how long it might take him to get ready.

For the record, this isn’t something a loan to the Championship is going to fix. Walker-Peters is getting better instruction training alongside the rest of Tottenham’s senior squad. The young Englishman still has an incredibly bright future, but patience is a virtue when it comes to his development.

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