Tottenham Host West Ham in a Fiery London Derby

Club football has returned! Tottenham host London rivals West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the early Saturday, Premier League kick-off time slot. Ange Postecoglou’s men are looking to bounce back from their disappointing 3-2 loss they suffered against Brighton just before the international break. 

The North London outfit had been on a five-game unbeaten run before the defeat, with pressure once again now on the Australian coach and his side. They face no easy task against their close rivals, after an initial poor start to the season, Julen Lopetegui’s  Hammers will be looking for a statement win against Spurs.  

Follow Mail Sport's live coverage below for the live score, team news, latest updates and reaction.

The Big Story: Son's Return

Tottenham fans needed those two weeks, didn't they?

Their team's loss to Brighton just before the international break is nearly as bad as it gets. They were in dreamland at half-time, 2-0 up, and cruising on the south coast. Then it all fell apart. Ange Postecoglou looked like a broken man after that defeat, and his players didn't look much better off.

They need to respond today, otherwise questions will be asked.

Spurs Looking to Rebound

It's time for Tottenham to get back on the horse. Ange Postecoglou has had two weeks to dwell on their horrid collapse at Brighton, where they lost 3-2 after being 2-0 up at half-time. And while there’s no chance of him changing his philosophy, he’d quite like Spurs to stop flattering to deceive.

Spurs have played brilliantly at times this season, yet they’re only two points clear of a West Ham side who have been criticised from all angles. Things look a bit better for Julen Lopetegui after a 4-1 win over Ipswich before the international break; a win today really would endear him to the West Ham fans.

Team News

We have our answer. After three games away, Ange Postecoglou picks captain Son Heung-Min in the starting line-up. He replaces Timo Werner on the left while Yves Bissouma also comes back into the fold. A very attacking team...

No surprises here then. West Ham stick to the same line-up that got them a 4-1 win over Ipswich before te international break. Michail Antonio was on fire that day, so that's why he keeps his place. Can they deliver again?

Pre-Match Analysis

It's stat pack time! Squakwa have provided us with some interesting statistics ahead of what I expect to be one hell of a London derby.

Tottenham's record in London derbies has not looked entirely great of late. Spurs have lost four of their six most recent London derbies in the Premier League, only taking home four points from them.

Not fantastic, eh? Well, the same can't be said about West Ham, their recent record in derbies has been fairly good. They are unbeaten in their last three but have only won one of those. I'm not sure which way this one will go, but I expect some goals...

Key Battles

Tottenham fans needed those two weeks, didn't they?

Their team's loss to Brighton just before the international break is nearly as bad as it gets. They were in dreamland at half-time, 2-0 up, and cruising on the south coast. Then it all fell apart. Ange Postecoglou looked like a broken man after that defeat, and his players didn't look much better off.

They need to respond today, otherwise questions will be asked.

A Tale of Two Halves

Tottenham will not be happy to see Michail Antonio's name on that teamsheet. The West Ham striker has terrorised them over the years, he adores playing against them.

His six goals in this derby are the most he has against any single Premier League side. Big. Game. Player.

What the Experts Say

Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker, speaking to Betfair: "Tottenham need to be a lot more defensively sound if they want to progress. If they keep giving goals away, then they will struggle to get into the top six this season."

Live Updates

First Half

I'm still dancing in my chair, this music is brilliant. Both teams have their final huddles and hugs before getting into their positions, and the music is now off. There is a monster roar from the 60-odd thousand in here before the hosts get us underway. It's got the feeling of a cracker.

It's taken just 15 seconds for the first stoppage in play. Lucas Paqueta lands awkwardly while challenging for the ball in the air and he takes some time to get up again. When he does, he realises he has given away a free-kick...

This game is very open... just the way Ange Postecoglou likes it. there seems to be spaces all over the pitch for both teams to attack and Tottenham are the side finding them with regularity thus far. Dejan Kulusevski seems to be having a good time of it.

Oh Brennan Johnson, what a hit that is! The ball falls to him beautifully from a tight angle and he certainly fancies it with the form he is in. He arrows the ball fiercely toward the far corner and it flashes just wide of the post. It was such a lovely strike, I made a weird noise as he hit it.

Tottenham are starting to find their flow now, they are pinning West Ham back in their own half. Guido Rodriguez is very active at the moment, he sweeps across to put the ball behind for a Spurs corner and the fans roar. But the set-piece is pants...

That's a superb save from Vicario! I thought West Ham were about to take the lead as Jarrod Bowen finds Mohammed Kudus in the box. As the ball came the wingers' way I shouted 'goal' and he gets hold of the ball well, but Vicario reacts brilliantly to deny him. A big, big chance.

Oh, Son Heung-Min, that was so very nearly exceptional. The ball comes his way and he sends Aaron Wan-Bissaka into a spin before bending the ball toward the far corner. For a split second, it looks destined for the net but it flies just wide of the post. He's not taken long to get back up to speed, that's for sure.

This time Mohammed Kudus makes no mistake! It's that link up again as Jarrod Bowen finds Kudus to fire West Ham into the lead. Tottenham couldn't get the ball clear and Bowen drives into the box before pulling the ball back to Kudus, who is in acres of space. You know the rest, he was never missing twice in a row, was he?

The West Ham fans in the corner are now singing their hearts out. The away end went crazy when the ball hit the back of the net, goals in this fixture mean so much. It came largely against the run of play, but West Ham were threatening on the counter.

Tottenham want to provide an instant response, but Emerson denies them. The ball is whipped into Brennan Johnson at the back post but Emerson manages to get the ball behind for a corner. Once again, the resulting set-piece is really poor and the West Ham fans shout 'wheyyy'.

The life has been sucked out of the stadium now, the home fans are practically silent. The only way that changes is if the home side get their act back together.

How has Brennan Johnson missed that? I'm in disbelief, Johnson heads wide with the net gaping from just six yards out. You just expect the net to ripple as the ball comes his way but he only gets a shoulder on it and it goes out for a corner. A huge chance goes begging.

the stadium is certainly making some noise now after that chance. the hosts have a flurry of unsuccessful corners before Dominic Solanke tries an acrobatic effort in the box. It doesn't work, though, the ball pea rolls into the hands of Alphonse Areola.

Second Half

To be continued...

Conclusion: A Derby Fit for the Ages

Tottenham vs West Ham is always a spectacle, but this encounter promises to be even more intense with Son's return and both sides' desire to bounce back from recent setbacks. It's a match that could shape the early season dynamics of the Premier League, and we'll be here every step of the way to bring you the latest updates and analysis. Stay tuned for the second half!