Antonio’s verdict on an impressive win against West Ham
Sun 20 March 2022, 21:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte enjoyed watching ‘a brilliant performance’ as we toppled West Ham 3-1 in a crucial Premier League encounter on Sunday.
A dominant display secured victory in a key battle in terms of the top four and took us up to fifth on Sunday evening, three points behind Arsenal, who have played a game less.
We were quickly out of the traps at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and 2-0 up inside 25 minutes. Matt Doherty sparked the opener on nine minutes, winning possession and finding Harry Kane, whose cross was turned into his own net by Kurt Zouma with Heung-Min Son lurking. Sonny, who had already struck the post, then rifled home the second via a slight deflection off Zouma.
We were in control only for the visitors to get back into the game via a set piece on 35 minutes as Aaron Cresswell’s corner was flicked on by Craig Dawson and turned home by Said Benrahma.
We assumed control again in the second half and chances started racking up - Dejan Kulusevski, Sergio Reguilon, Doherty, Rodrigo Bentacur and Kane all tried their luck before a classic ‘route one’ goal secured the points in the 88th minute as Hugo Lloris kicked long and Son raced onto Kane’s flick before driving home.
I think we dominated today. We played a really good game and as a coach I enjoyed to watch my team play this football
“It was a brilliant performance,” said Antonio. “I’m delighted for the three points, and especially in the way we got the three points. I think we played very well from the start until the end, we controlled the game and created a lot of chances to improve the final result, don’t forget, against a strong team, because West Ham, before this game, were in the same position and in the race for the Champions League. Today, honestly, I enjoyed watching the team play this type of football.
“I have seen a lot of positive things, and I’m seeing a lot of positive things for the last period. I’ve said we’re improving, despite some defeats. The last defeat against United, we didn’t deserve, but to go to Old Trafford and play this type of game means this team is improving, is increasing the level.
“We have to continue to do what we’re doing - working hard on the tactical aspects, technically, on the mentality. Also, I think after five months, my players are starting to understand much more than before.
“Don’t forget I came in November and our training to improve the team was to prepare for a game for three points. Now, I repeat, I’m very satisfied, also my players are seeing the improvement, they are enjoying playing football and controlling games much more than before.
“But we have to continue, we have to continue to have the ambition to stay until the end very close and stay in the race for fourth place because it’s right to have this positive pressure, because we have to learn to live with the pressure.”
