MANUEL LANZINI ruined Tottenham's evening as Mauricio Pochettino's title hunters blew their chance of closing the gap to leaders Chelsea by just a single point.
Spurs knew a win at the home of their arch rivals would increase the pressure on the Blues, who face Middlesbrough on Monday night.
9
Manuel Lanzini's winner put a huge dent in Tottenham's title hopesCredit: Reuters
But things didn't go according to plan for the visitors, who failed to threaten West Ham's goal despite dominating possession.
The likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli always seemed to be just slightly off the pace, with the Hammers biding their time and looking dangerous on a number of counter attacks.
But it was Lanzini who grabbed the only goal of the game, a just reward for the Argentine after giving Jan Vertonghen a torrid time.
9
The Argentine pounced for the winner in the second halfCredit: Reuters
9
One fan needed medical attention during the celebrations when a barrier collapsedCredit: Getty Images
A cross from Aaron Cresswell resulted in a penalty box scramble until Lanzini stormed through and lashed the ball into the back of the net.
It means Spurs remain four points behind Chelsea, although that gap will be increased to seven if Antonio Conte leads his side to victory at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs could have closed the gap on Chelsea to one point but it could be seven points by Monday nightCredit: Getty Images
FACTS, STATS, GOALS AND LOLS
TOTTENHAM players had a team huddle during their warm-up while West Ham played highlights at their 1-0 win over their bitter rivals at Upton Park last season. Teddy Sheringham, who played for both clubs, was a special guest and was paraded on the pitch before kick-off.
MAURICIO POCHETTINO opted to start with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama playing in front of their back four.
HARRY KANE loves dishing out capital punishment and went into this game on 18 goals in 20 London derbies. But he was awful at the London Stadium. He was sloppy and not his usual lively self.
WEST HAM carved out the first chance in the sixth minute when Manuel Lanzini dragged a drive across goal. It was a lovely pass from Andre Ayew – but Lanzini really should have been squaring a pass rather than attempting a shot.
THE Hammers had a clear plan to press Tottenham’s centre trio of Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min and Christian Eriksen and did a great job.
KYLE WALKER – back in the Tottenham side – was booked by Anthony Taylor for a 50-50 challenge with Manuel Lanzini. It was a bizarre yellow card because he won the ball with an honest challenge. Lanzini went into the tackle with the same power and force but simply came off worse. Had Walker come off worst, Lanzini would have been booked. Strange logic.
9
Spurs could have closed the gap on Chelsea to one point but it could be seven points by Monday nightCredit: Getty Images
MARK NOBLE, however, should have then been sent off for a later than late challenge to take our Eric Dier. The Tottenham player got up almost immediately, which probably helped the Hammers captain.
ADRIAN could not hold on to a Harry Kane striker – but redeemed himself by saving the follow-up with his left leg as he was diving the wrong way.
CHEIKHOU KOUYATE lobbed horribly wide and not even out of play after Hugo Lloris managed to block Manuel Lanzini when one on one.
ANDRE AYEW really should have hit the target when a chance presented itself after the break rather than smashing aimlessly over the bar. How much did he cost?!
IT was a belting atmosphere at the London Stadium for this one. If the Hammers fans can recreate this every home game, their home will be a very intimidating place to visit for away teams.
MANUEL LANZINI all but ended Tottenham’s title hopes by plunging a dagger through their hearts by finishing from five yards out. The North Londoners were all over the shop at the back.
HUGO LLORIS made a great save to deny Jonathan Calleri after stealing possession from Tony Alderweireld.
TOTTENHAM got more and more desperate as the clock ticked down - and Christian Eriksen was not too far away with a long-range effort that just whizzed past a post. It beat Adrian and just missed
9
Spurs know their title dreams are almost over as the final games approachCredit: Reuters
THE BIG PICTURE
9
The current Premier League tableCredit: Premier League
West Ham final two fixtures:
Liverpool (H): 14 May – Prem
Burnley (A): 21 May – Prem
Tottenham final three fixtures:
Man Utd (H): 14 May – Prem
Leicester (A): 18 May – Prem
Hull (A): 21 May – Prem
9
Slaven Bilic was thrilled with the win for his sideCredit: Reuters
Subs not used: Randolph, Nordtveit, Feghouli , Rice
Goal: Lanzini 64’
Booked: Reid, Noble, Lanzini, Byram
Tottenham: Lloris 6, Walker 6 (Trippier 5), Alderweireld 6, Vertonghen 6 (Dembele 6), Davies 6, Wanyama 6 (Janssen 5), Dier 6, Eriksen 6, Alli 6, Son 7, Kane 6
Subs not used: Vorm, Nkoudou, Sissoko, Wimmer
Booked: Walker, Trippier
Star man: Manuel Lanzini
9
Spurs will have to go back to the drawing boardCredit: Reuters
SOCIAL SAYS
THEY SAID
Tottenham's Eric Dier: "It was hard before, now it's even harder. We know [it's a blow], it's disappointing really.
"They made it very hard for us, they played very deep and we didn't create enough chances.
"We knew it was going to be tough, we brought it back to four points, after today it's nearly impossible now.
"We'll give everything for these last games no matter what."
West Ham's Mark Noble: "It was a tough game, to be able to compete we had to play at 100 per cent.
"You don't need a team talk for Spurs, we all know beating them is a massive occassion.
"With Saturday morning off work, the fans will be happy tonight. The pubs will be rocking. They needed that. Anyone who moves stadiums needs time to settle in.
"If you look at the way we played, any manager who gets that performance from his players, you know they're behind him."
