3 Iconic Matches Between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in Recent Memory

The rivalry between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur is one of the most passionate and intense in English football. With both clubs hailing from London, their clashes are always fiercely contested, and their fanbases take great pride in these fixtures.

Over the years, the Premier League has witnessed some iconic battles between the two, with moments of drama, controversy, and incredible football. So, with another London derby between the two clubs taking place on Saturday, we decided to take a look at three of the most iconic encounters between West Ham and Spurs in recent memory. 

1) West Ham United 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur (October 2020) – The Lanzini Stunner 

This match stands out as one of the most dramatic games not only between West Ham and Tottenham but in Premier League history. Spurs, managed by José Mourinho at the time, were riding high and expected to breeze past West Ham. They took complete control of the match within the first 16 minutes, surging to a 3-0 lead thanks to a goal from Heung-Min Son in the first minute and a brace from Harry Kane. 

From there, it looked like it would be an easy day at the office for Spurs. They were dominant in possession, had more shots on goal, and appeared to be in cruise control. Even West Ham manager David Moyes on the touchline looked like he was contemplating damage control. However, football is a game of two halves, and the cliché of "it’s never over until it’s over" came into full effect in this match. As the game entered its final stages, with Spurs seemingly in control, West Ham made an improbable comeback. Fabian Balbuena's header in the 82nd minute was the first sign of life for the Hammers, giving them a glimmer of hope. An own goal from Davinson Sánchez just three minutes later reduced the deficit to 3-2, and suddenly, Spurs fans could feel the pressure mounting. 

But the moment that cemented this match into Premier League folklore came in the 94th minute. After a scramble near the edge of Tottenham’s box, the ball fell to Manuel Lanzini, who hit an absolute rocket of a shot from 25 yards out. His thunderbolt found the top corner, leaving Hugo Lloris with no chance. The scenes that followed were chaotic as West Ham players celebrated wildly. Lanzini’s strike sealed a 3-3 draw, turning what seemed to be an inevitable Spurs victory into a stunning comeback for the Hammers. 

2) Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 West Ham United (October 2017) – The Carabao Cup Shock 

Cup competitions have often provided a platform for teams to create unforgettable memories, and the 2017 Carabao Cup clash between Spurs and West Ham was no different. Coming into the fourth-round tie, Tottenham were in good form, sitting third in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino, while West Ham were struggling in the lower half of the table. The script seemed written for a comfortable Spurs victory. 

Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead by half-time, with goals from Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli seemingly putting the tie to bed. Spurs’ fluid attacking play was on full display, and West Ham looked overwhelmed and out of ideas. However, West Ham came out in the second half with a point to prove. Whatever Bilić said to his players in the dressing room clearly worked because the Hammers looked like a different team. André Ayew sparked the comeback, scoring twice in five minutes to level the score at 2-2 by the 60th minute. Suddenly, the momentum had completely shifted, and Spurs were on the back foot. 

The defining moment of the match came in the 70th minute when Angelo Ogbonna headed home from a corner, giving West Ham an improbable 3-2 lead. Spurs, rattled and unable to regain control, struggled to break down West Ham’s defense in the closing stages. The Hammers held on for a famous victory, dumping Tottenham out of the Carabao Cup and sending their fans into delirium. This result was a major shock, given Tottenham’s dominance in the first half. For West Ham, it was a night to remember, especially in the context of their difficult season. Bilić’s job had been under threat, but this win bought him some much-needed time and showed the fight within his squad. For Spurs, it was a bitter disappointment, as their quest for silverware under Pochettino suffered another blow. 

3) West Ham United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (May 2017) – The Title-Denting Defeat 

In the 2016/17 season, Tottenham Hotspur were involved in a fierce Premier League title race with Chelsea. Spurs had put together an impressive run of form, winning nine league games in a row to keep the pressure on Chelsea. Every game was a must-win for Spurs, who were hoping to capitalize on any slip-ups by their London rivals. However, they faced a tricky away game against West Ham at the London Stadium in early May. 

West Ham, who were enduring an inconsistent season, had little to play for other than pride, but as often happens in derby games, form went out the window. Spurs knew that a win would take them within a point of Chelsea, who had a slightly tougher run-in. But the Hammers had other ideas. West Ham were defensively disciplined from the start, frustrating Spurs and limiting their attacking options. Despite Tottenham’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break down West Ham’s resolute backline. 

The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Manuel Lanzini pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home the only goal of the game. The London Stadium erupted, as West Ham fans sensed that they were about to derail their rivals’ title challenge. Despite Spurs throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer, West Ham held firm and secured a memorable 1-0 victory. 

This defeat was a devastating blow to Tottenham’s title ambitions. While they had been relentless in their pursuit of Chelsea, this result effectively ended their hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy that season. For West Ham fans, it was a moment of immense pride. They had not only secured a famous win over their fierce rivals but had also played a major role in denying Tottenham a chance at the title. Lanzini’s goal became one of the defining moments of the season for the Hammers.