West Ham 1 Tottenham 0 analysis: 5 things we learnt from Upton Park

Early goal enough for Hammers to upset rivals

(2016 Getty Images)

Perfect Payet

With Spurs starting the match 11 points above West Ham in the table there is no question over which of these two teams has been the better this season. But when it comes to individuals, while Tottenham have some credible candidates, the best has been Payet and he displayed precisely why he must be considered for the Player of the Season award. It was his corner that led to Antonio's first goal and it was his excellent ball retention that enabled him to create chances for others. It was also Payet that, by merely getting on the ball, gave the West Ham fans and his team- belief that something might just happen - a useful quality.

No coming back for Spurs

Antonio's seventh minute goal meant Tottenham would have to come from behind yet again if they were to get something out of the match. No other side in the division would have been eschewing as much belief as Spurs, who prior to Wednesday's match had earned an unrivalled 17 points from losing positions, but on this occasion it wasn't to be. In fact in response they could muster just two shots on target, not what would have been expected from a side that before tonight had won five of the 10 games in which they had dropped behind.

Spurs know how to be brave the Pochettino way

Heavy touches and mis-placed passes were in plentiful supply from Spurs in the first half, yet they continued to play. “To be brave is not to kick someone. It is to take the ball and play," Pochettino said before the match. "We cannot forget that we play football, not rugby or boxing. To show character is not to kick someone, it is to take the ball and take risks in a different position. This is when you are brave.” The Spurs manager can call his team brave after this, but not winners.

Dele Alli vs Reece Oxford

Both sides boast young English players with genuine potential and both managers utilised that from the bench. Reece Oxford, whose early season performances caught the eye, came on as a centre-back when James Collins went off injured after 65 minutes, while Deli Alli came on for Spurs shortly before. It is Alli who as the season has progressed has impressed the most, with his passing and ability to do something special. But on this occasion it was 17-year-old Oxford, with some useful challenges during just his fifth Premier League appearance, that saw him impress more on this particular evening.

Derby delight for West Ham

Prior to tonight, both these teams appeared to love a London derby. Unbeaten Tottenham had taken 11 points from five games while West Ham nine from four. It was West Ham who maintained that impressive run against their near neighbours and it is this one that will feel the sweetest. Forever it will be that in their final meeting at the Boleyn Ground with Tottenham, arguably their fiercest rivals in the capital, was one that they won. Denting Tottenham's hopes of winning the title made it just that little sweeter.