Dier Through Spurs Maximum Points

It was far from the perfect performance from Tottenham Hotspur, but it was a fine finish, and the perfect start to the new season and Mauricio Pochettino's regime.

With this London derby at Upton Park looking set to peter out, substitute Harry Kane expertly flicked the ball through for Eric Dier to round Adrian and roll in the game's only goal. It was quite a debut for the England under-21 international, returning to his home country as a professional after moving to Portugal at the age of 10.

At the same time, it meant all of West Ham United's old problems and debates will return. Sam Allardyce will be particularly aggrieved with that because his side were, for long periods, the better team, and got the better of play. Stewart Downing could even have snatched the game before Dier did.

Although Tottenham may be justifiably aggrieved with Kyle Naughton's red card for a handball on a Kevin Nolan shot, the fact is that it came after a spell of concerted West Ham pressure. They couldn't make it tell, and Mark Noble couldn't finish the penalty. His effort was sent wide with such a lack of conviction.

 

Eric Dier's return to England was a happy homecoming, scoring the match winner for Spurs in stoppage time.

Thereafter, West Ham receded, Tottenham responded well, and the game was even levelled in terms of red cards with James Collins given a second yellow. He could have few complaints, but Allardyce could have a fair few for his own team.

Spurs celebrated like they knew they were at the start of something that could be special, of the kind that sometimes needs an early statement like this.

Upton Park collectively groaned in a manner that has become all too familiar.

ESPN