Tottenham’s afternoon against West Ham summed up the frustration that has been building for weeks. A 2–1 defeat at home to a team sitting in the relegation zone felt like another low point in a season that continues to drift away from expectations.
Losing to Aston Villa in the FA Cup had already tested patience, but this result cut deeper because it exposed the same defensive errors, the same lack of control, and the same uncertainty that has followed Spurs all year.
The opening goal set the tone for what was to come. Pedro Porro was caught out defensively, allowing Crysencio Summerville too much space, and the punishment was immediate. From there, Tottenham never looked settled at the back.
The decisive moment came later when Guglielmo Vicario made a costly mistake that gifted Callum Wilson the winning goal. It was one of those days where every weakness seemed to surface at once, leaving the crowd deflated and angry.
Cristian Romero did manage to pull one back, showing his usual determination and leadership, but his goal only briefly lifted the mood. The response never truly arrived, and West Ham looked far more comfortable seeing the game out.
For Thomas Frank, it was another damaging result, and one that only increased the pressure on his position. The sense around the stadium was that this could be a defining moment, not just for the season but for the manager himself.
There was also huge focus on Conor Gallagher, making his first appearance after his January move from Atletico Madrid. The excitement around his arrival was clear, but his debut did little to calm nerves.
Gallagher worked hard, as expected, but he struggled to impose himself on the game. Tottenham needed someone to move the ball forward quickly and link midfield to attack, and that is not where Gallagher is at his strongest.
His numbers told the story. Out of 40 attempted passes, only nine found their way into the final third. He failed to complete a cross and did not manage a single shot on target.
Defensively, his performance did not offer enough balance to make up for the attacking shortcomings. He was beaten by a dribble, conceded two fouls, and lost seven duels, which left him looking a step off the pace.
None of this means Gallagher cannot succeed at Spurs, but it was a reminder that settling back into Premier League football takes time, especially in a struggling side. This was a debut he will want to forget quickly.
If there was one player who offered hope, it was Mathys Tel. Even without a goal or an assist, the young forward was a rare bright spark in a largely flat performance. From the moment he got on the ball, he looked eager to make something happen.
He drove at defenders, took responsibility, and tried to inject energy into Tottenham’s attack. His movement caused problems, and he was always available for a pass in dangerous areas.
Tel’s statistics underlined his impact. He registered three shots, created two chances, and had ten touches inside the West Ham penalty area. His passing was tidy, with a success rate of 78 per cent, and he showed real fight by winning seven duels.
These are strong numbers for a 20-year-old in a team that struggled collectively. That is why his substitution after just 62 minutes was met with loud boos from the stands. Supporters could not understand why one of the few players showing intent was taken off while others stayed on.
The frustration aimed at Frank was understandable. Decisions like that only added to the feeling that Spurs are lacking clear direction right now. There are talented players in the squad, but confidence is low, and belief is draining with every disappointing result.
Against West Ham, Tottenham did not just lose a game. They lost momentum, trust, and another piece of goodwill from the fans. Unless something changes quickly, this defeat may be remembered as more than just another bad day at the office.
