Soucek strikes at the London Stadium
There is something so delightful about Tomáš Souček making a late darting run into the box.
The towering midfielder is known for his late bursts into the area, and it was his movement that caught Spurs napping early in the second half.
A quick throw-in from Vladimír Coufal found Michail Antonio, who hooked the ball into the path of Souček.
The Czech Republic international then made no mistake. He powerfully drove the ball past Hugo Lloris to net an equaliser which sparked wild jubilation in the stands – and also ensured the Hammers went three games unbeaten at London Stadium against Spurs.
Ogbonna's Premier League return
Angelo Ogbonna made his return to Premier League action in West Ham United’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
It was the Italy defender’s first Premier League appearance since he suffered a knee injury against Liverpool last November.
Ogbonna replaced Aaron Cresswell on the 70 minute mark at the London Stadium, having made his return to first team football across both legs of our UEFA Europa Conference League clash with Viborg FF.
The experienced centre-half was his usual reliable self on the left-side of defence. He earned a huge roar from the Hammers faithful when he outmuscled Richarlison as the match reached its conclusion.
Ogbonna has scored eight goals and contributed one assist in 175 appearances in the Premier League for the Hammers, and it was wonderful to see him back gracing the pitch in league football once again.
London derby under the lights
Wednesday's match was our first London derby of the season and the Hammers faithful did not disappoint at London Stadium.
Energised by Tomas Souček’s equaliser and the arrival of Lucas Paqueta - the home crowd pushed the Hammers forward in the closing moments.
David Moyes’ outfit almost snatched a winner too, as Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta both went close, although West Ham would have to settle for a point in east London.
There is no doubting that the incredible home support was part of the reason the Hammers came from behind to secure a share of the spoils.
Antonio and Rice reach 200
Two Hammers reached appearance milestones in our 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Declan Rice - who made his debut against Burnley in 2017 - played his 200th appearance in Claret and Blue, while Michail Antonio earned his 200th Premier League appearance for West Ham.
Antonio made his league debut in 2015 against Manchester City and has gone on to surpass the likes of Carlton Cole and Paolo Di Canio to become the club’s record goalscorer in the Premier League era.
Of course, both were thrilled to reach their respective landmarks in a London derby.
“It is a real honour,” said Rice. “I remember coming on at Burnley – to make 200 for this club, I never thought I would be able to do it. It’s special.”
Antonio did well to assist Souček for the equaliser, but almost capped the landmark with a goal in the first half.
A wonderful move saw Thilo Kehrer find Pablo Fornals, who flicked the ball to Saïd Benrahma. The Algeria winger then picked out Antonio, who drove at the Spurs defence but the Hammers No9 only saw his curling effort crash off the post with Hugo Lloris well-beaten.
Antonio was gutted to miss out on the goal. He said: “It was devasting. I thought it was in, I was almost celebrating.”
Lucas Paquetá makes his debut
The arrival of Lucas Paquetá ignited the atmosphere at the London Stadium, as a carnival of noise welcomed the West Ham’s latest signing to east London.
The new Hammers No11 replaced Saïd Benrahma with just over 20 minutes to go, and he quickly made his mark.
Pressing high, Lucas Paquetá battled his way against the Spurs defence – his tenacity was quickly on show, as a few tackles generated a welcome roar from the Hammers faithful.
There might have been a winner too when Coufal sent a drilled cross into the path of the Brazil international but Lucas Paquetá – alongside Emerson Palmieri – was unable to direct an effort at goal.
Nonetheless, a promising debut from the latest Hammer, with hints of exciting things to come from the Brazilian!
