Spurs beat West Ham as Mourinho claims first win as Tottenham boss

Goals from Heung-Min Son, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane ensured Jose Mourinho started life as Tottenham manager with a win despite a late West Ham fightback.

The newly-appointed Portuguese boss became the third consecutive Tottenham manager to start their tenure with a fixture against West Ham and his team started the stronger as Kane’s early finish was ruled out for offside.

Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham lacked fluidity in the final third and struggled as Tottenham dominated possession at the London Stadium.

The first goal of the day came after 36 minutes when Dele Alli received the ball on the edge, turned to find Son, before the South Korean finished smartly past the ever-unconvincing Roberto.

One became two when Dele Alli’s improvised flick fed Son to once again to run at the West Ham defence, the 27-year-old this time crossing to the back post for Lucas Moura to finish.

Michail Antonio was introduced for the hosts at the break and was a constant nuisance for the Tottenham defence, winning multiple free-kicks in battles with Davinson Sanchez.

Tottenham extended their lead just five minutes into the second period however, Harry Kane rising highest to head home a Serge Aurier cross.

Antonio restored some pride for the Hammers went finishing smartly on the edge of the box on 73 minutes and West Ham could have forced a nervy last five minutes if Declan Rice’s goal had not been ruled out by VAR for offside.

The hosts did reduce the deficit to one when Angelo Ogbonna lost his marker from a Robert Snodgrass corner but was all too late as Spurs saw out the game to record a 3-2 win and secure their first away win in the Premier League since January.

There were plenty of positives for Mourinho to take from the game especially in the resurgence of Dele Alli but the ‘Special One’ will be sure to look to resolve the defensive problems which remains as tougher tests arrive in the coming weeks.

The win sees Spurs rise to sixth before Saturday’s other fixtures as West Ham sit 16th.