The game's tone was set very quickly by WBA as Rondon showed both strength and composure to get a shot off on goal after some weak defending by Vertonghen. Fortunately the goal was missed and Lloris was not brought into action. Most of the opening of the game was firmly within WBA as Spurs struggled to kick start their game, however it was not long before Spurs then grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and started to build their possession.
For all their possession though Spurs were highly unproductive. WBA were happy to soak upt the pressure and kept Spurs from building any serious threat on goal.The more serious chances were falling to WBA and Rondon was involved in everything.
Then out of nowhere a long ball up field from Alderweireld was watched by a flat footed WBA defence as Alli slotted a cool finish from well inside the box between the legs of Myhill. Although it was a great ball and some smart finishing, you really have to question what their defensive thoughts were as the small framed Alli won that long ball to finish with such ease.
The next 10 minutes again Spurs maintain possession but to no avail and the talking points are again WBA's with Sessegnon trying to build some momentum for the Baggies.
on the 35th minute there was a clear foul on Alli in the box. It was evident that Alli was pulled around like a rag doll in the box with a huge rip in his shirt, of which the referee ignored.
With Spurs looking like they would do enough to hold onto a 1-0 lead half time beckoning.
However for the next 10 minutes the Baggies had improved and sure enough another defensive error occurred, but this time from WBA. Good work from Sessegnon and Morrison results in the ball being fed to Fletcher (Dier seemed to have completely switched off at the point as he clearly made a Rookie mistake by leaving his man. Fletcher in space crossed over to the back post and this time Walker was caught napping and McClean was allowed to get in front of his man and head beyond Lloris. Not trying to pick here, but Walker has conceded more "stupid goals" than has been involved in scoring for Spurs. His work rate and commitment has certainly improved, but he really needs to concentrate a lot more to avoid these silly mistakes.
The final minutes then play out, but Sessegnon is forced off the pitch with an injury. You would have thought at this point Spurs would move forward with the Baggies playmaker being forced off the pitch.
At half time a tweet goes out to say that Alli has scored or assisted in 3 of his last 4 games, at this point I remind myself that although Kane has been quiet it's a draw and a few quick goals is easily possible, after all with 62% possession surely the team can build on this?
A scrappy opening few minutes, but a clear opportunity arises. Alli flicks the ball over the top for Kane to run onto, he controls it (almost allowing it to escape) he's in front of his man though and one on one with the keeper, the resulting shot was tame and although beat Myhill it was cleared by Dawson. This opportunity being missed you could tell that Spurs could easily self destruct with some more lacklustre defending.
Lamela then comes into the game some good work and from a cross Erik gets away from his defender, but another weak effort see's the ball straight at the keeper. Again Spurs look to build but the notable chances again fall to WBA. Spurs chances are continuously turned quickly from promising moves to wasted possession. WBA counter well and force Lloris to get involved, some of which is questionable keeping with fumbling.
Our first substitution see's Lamela come off for Son (surely some pace injected into the game with just 25 minutes will see Spurs get a late goal!
Not really again its possession that WBA gladly allow Spurs to have, but rather allow Spurs to tire themselves by moving the ball around, but not in any dangerous area's.
The Baggies have a great opportunity (after some strange referring) and Brunt fires in for Olsson to again get onto a ball seemingly unchallenged and fire on goal and somehow Loris pushes the ball over the ball from a shot that was surely 3 yards out!
NJie comes on for Alli as WBA continue to build and look the sharper side.
On the 83rd minute the referee loses his head completely. McClean puts in a career ending tackle on Demble which is completely ignored, It's late and between the ankle and knee (you have to be complete idiot to miss such a dangerous tackle). It was clearly a linesman that called for it and somehow McClean is let off completely with a yellow card.
The dying few minutes are again WBA being closest to scoring with the lcuky McClean playing well with Rondon, but they are not clinical enough in front of goal.
For me a completely wasted journey and Spurs again looking like there are back to some lucky results with some imagination lacking displays.
Lets hope for a change in the next game.
COYS
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