WHZ View: 4 clearances, 4 interceptions – Issa Diop was a man mountain vs Tottenham
West Ham fought tooth and nail for all three points against Tottenham and it was thanks to the defence that we got over the line.
In particular, Issa Diop was a colossus at the back, and he has stepped in for Angelo Ogbonna with brilliant efficiency.
We have won two out of two games since the centre-back came back into the side.
He works brilliantly alongside Dawson, with the pair producing a combined 12 interceptions against Spurs on Sunday, per WyScout.
Diop made four of those, and also contributed four clearances – the second-highest of any Irons player.
It was backs to the walls for the last 20 minutes but Diop took up clever positions time and again.
In the first half Harry Kane produced a shot which Lukasz Fabianski spilled into a dangerous area.
Thanks to some clever positioning and quick reactions from Diop, West Ham were able to clear the danger.
He and Dawson had a difficult challenge up against Kane, while Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min also could have exploited their lack of pace.
They kept things narrow and compact, and Declan Rice also deserves credit for his defensive work.
Diop deserves a special mention, however, particuarly considering how good Ogbonna has been this year – some tip him to be Hammer of the Year.
The 24-year-old spent ten league games without getting on the pitch yet has maintained his fitness and shown a superb attitude.
He has now grabbed his chance with both hands.
Against Spurs he played as if he had a point to prove to David Moyes.
Per WyScout, the centre-back won three out of five defensive duels and made four ball recoveries.
He only gave one foul away, too, which was important considering the threat Kane poses from free-kicks – he almost tucked one into the bottom corner.
Diop was equally impressive on the ball with 93% pass accuracy and completed two out of two long passes.
That contribution should not be overlooked, as it was important to relieve pressure off the back four late on.
We face a different but even more difficult task against Manchester City next week.
The movement of their forwards has unsettled every defence they have played in recent weeks, but we are confident Diop and Dawson can keep things tight at the back.
We must be compact and organised once again – if we manage that who knows what we can achieve.
In other West Ham news, WHZ View: 88% duel success – Aaron Cresswell issues masterclass in West Ham win v Spurs.