Tottenham Hotspur won victory in Jose Mourinho’s debut match after beating West Ham United 3-2 in Week 13 of the English League at the London Stadium on Saturday (11/23).
Tottenham and West Ham have both pressed since the early minutes. Both teams try to get a quick goal in the first round.
West Ham striker Sebastian Haller gave the visitors the first threat with a header in the eighth minute, but failed.
Tottenham returned to attack West Ham in the 20th minute through Son Heung-min. But the South Korean striker’s shot was blocked by West Ham’s defense.
The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute through a left-footed shot by Son’s from Dele Alli’s breakthrough bait. After getting a pass from Alli, Son successfully broke through West Ham’s loose defense. In an ideal position Son fired a left foot that could not be anticipated by goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez.
Towards the first half broke up, winger Lucas Moura added advantage to Tottenham. Moura scores after welcoming Son’s mature cross from the left. Moura successfully used the opportunity well despite Cresswell’s tight guard.
In the second half Tottenham moved further away from West Ham through Harry Kane’s goal in the 50th minute. Kane increased the advantage of West Ham thanks to Serge Aurier’s cross.
West Ham did not give up, Michail Antonio reduced their position in the 73rd minute after successfully outwitting Toby Alderweireld. Antonio’s right leg kick to the right side can not be maintained by goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
The host continued to press The Lilywhites in the final minutes of the game. But the defense of Harry Winks and his friends are still solid enough to withstand the onslaught of The Hammers.
Midfielder Declan Rice briefly reduced the position to 2-3 through his cheat in the 89th minute. However, the goal was disallowed because Rice was first offside.
Before the match was over, defender Angelo Ogbonna reduced the position to 2-3 in the 90th minute + 6. Ogbonna scored with a flick of his left foot after receiving a corner kick. Final score 3-2 for Tottenham.
Quoted from Opta, after losing to Benfica in 2000, Tottenham’s victory over West Ham left Mourinho unbeaten in his first match at the eight clubs he had coached, including on two occasions with Chelsea.
Currently, Mourinho’s record in debut matches with the clubs he coaches is five wins and three draws.
In addition to his unbeaten report card in the first match, Mourinho also has a better record of Mauricio Pochettino.
Before being sacked by Tottenham, Pochettino failed to win in 12 away games (3 draws, 9 losses). Meanwhile, in his first away game Mourinho successfully gave three points to the London club.
