West Ham 2-0 Spurs - Tim's verdict

Tim Sherwood admitted the double-blow of being reduced to 10 men and then conceding within three minutes was tough to take at West Ham.

Younes Kaboul’s 24th minute red card, shown to him for being the last man when he fouled Stewart Downing, upset our rhythm at Upton Park.

And when Andy Carroll’s header from a corner was accidentally turned into his own net by Harry Kane three minutes later, we had it all to do.

The Hammers added a second goal through Downing on the stroke of half-time, with Head Coach Tim left to look back on what might have been after the hosts secured a 2-0 win.

“You can always look at ifs, buts and maybes, the game is full of them,” Tim said. “Unfortunately we got a red card, but it was difficult when they then scored soon afterwards.

"We had to regroup and get on with it but the second goal killed us. It’s an error from the lads, they don’t need to be told. Then we had a mountain to climb.”

We shut the Hammers out in the second half while trying to fashion some chances of our own, despite the numerical disadvantage.

Hugo Lloris was once again outstanding between the sticks as we prevented the deficit from increasing, earning praise from Tim afterwards.

“Hugo was top class,” Tim added. “Whatever is happening he keeps his consistency and his level of professionalism. His performance was of the highest level.

“They sat in deep after the break. We looked better, we received the ball in more advanced areas, had a few half-chances and if we’d have taken one, possibly they might have had an edgy finish.

“I’m sure it would have been a lot different if we’d kept 11 men on the field, but we owe it to the fans to perform well against Aston Villa next weekend and send them away with optimism.”