Hugo Lloris kept Tottenham Hotspur unbeaten for the second week running with a spectacular reaction save late in the second-half, as a tense game with West Bromwich Albion ended 1-1 at The Hawthorns.
Tony Pulis’ men held Spurs to a frustrating draw, which saw Dele Alli find the net on his return from suspension and James McLean score his first goal for West Brom.
Tottenham’s goal in the 15th minute was slightly against the run of play, with a 60-yard hoof through the middle for Alli to volley home. The West Brom defence did not deal with the ball quick enough and Boaz Myhill did not come off his line, as he thought his defence would suffice. It was a goal seen more often in the Sunday leagues.
West Brom had been pressing hard themselves though and did really well in the build-up to their equaliser, after not being particularly dangerous around the goal in the first-half. James Morrison did well to keep the ball, before it was crossed in by Darren Fletcher for McLean to head home his first for the Baggies in the 39th minute.
The game continued in a scrappy format, with fouls conceded and made – it was surprising that the referee did not pull a yellow card out of his pocket at any point, until Craig Gardener was booked for taking a free-kick too quickly in the second-half. Christian Eriksen had an attempt to try and put Spurs back in front just before the break, but the shot was high and wide, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with a bit of work to do during halftime.
The second-half began with West Brom full of confidenceand the pace was ramped up by both teams. The closest chances for Spurs were in the hands of Erik Lamela and Harry Kane, who in terms of his recent performances was rather quiet. Kane had the opportunity to poke the ball home, but with the help of Myhill and his defenders it was cleared almost from off the line to safety. Lamela had a header after leaping above Jonny Evans, but did not have enough pace on it to trouble the Baggies goalkeeper. Stephane Sessegnon had to come-off for the home side, much to Tony Pulis’ disdain. The Baggies key man felt a problem with his hamstring which was not an injury worth risking and he was replaced by Craig Gardener.
The 73rd minute saw what was arguably the best chance of the match, taken by Jonas Olsson of West Brom who saw his shot saved by a fast-reacting Lloris. Jose Salomon Rondon was also extremely keen to get the win for his side, but a well-timed challenge from Kyle Walker saw the chance disappear in the final minutes of a tense game.
The second-half provided end-to-end entertainment with tensions running high, but ultimately it did not result in the victory that either side wanted, or needed.
Click NEXT for more major talking points
