There has been talk of Callum Wilson’s West Ham contract being ripped up this month – he came from the bench here to tear up the script and leave Thomas Frank’s future even more uncertain than his own.
For all Tottenham’s hierarchy insist the Dane will not be dismissed, that was not the forecast of their supporters in the wake of Wilson’s 93rd-minute winner. ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chorused the Wall of Sound.
While the Dane will likely survive this defeat, it feels like the writing is on that wall when it comes to his longer-term prospects. They don’t like the football and they don’t like the manager. The boos that chased him down the tunnel on full-time told you that much.
The Desperation Derby had looked like ending in the one outcome that both teams could live with but neither would enjoy, entering stoppage-time at 1-1. But Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham, sensing that Tottenham’s race was run, mounted one last charge.
Wilson, on the pitch for a matter of seconds, had a chance to win it when Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross dropped kindly inside the area. He thought that chance had gone when his low blast was blocked in the goalmouth by a sliding Pedro Porro.
It felt like the intervention that had saved a point and Frank the home scorn. Not so. From the resulting corner, and amid the frenzy of a crowded six-yard area, Wilson pounced to poke home.
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side lost at home against lowly West Ham on Saturday
Spurs’ hierarchy insist the Dane won’t lose his job but the writing is on the wall
The away fans celebrated with relief and great relish, but it was aggravation of the home crowd most audible of all.
Earlier, it had been to their credit that, during a woeful first half, they waited until the 27th minute before booing.
There was ample opportunity to hiss their discontent before Xavi Simons passed the ball straight out of play, but that was the moment their restraint was broken.
Moments before, Conor Gallagher had played a short free-kick to the feet of a West Ham player. It being the midfielder’s debut saved him the ignominy of the opening jeers.
Come half-time, and with West Ham deservedly in front thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s 15th-minute effort, none of those in white were spared. They were groaning again just after the hour when Frank replaced Mathys Tel with Dominic Solanke.
The irritation was not because of the player introduced, but the withdrawal of one who had shown some attacking purpose.
Within two minutes, and with Frank having reshaped his forward unit, Spurs were level, even if it was two defenders who combined.
Pedro Porro crossed from the right and centre back Cristian Romero climbed to score a captain’s goal, a header of ferocity and authority.
Callum Wilson scored a late winner for the Hammers on a miserable day for Spurs
Tottenham fans are seen protesting the owners of the club prior to kick-off
Suddenly, from anxiety, there was belief. Yves Bissouma, on at half-time for his first appearance under Frank, offered bite and energy from midfield, and Gallagher belatedly showed the same.
When, in the 84th minute, he bustled into the area, it looked as if his endeavour would be rewarded with a penalty after the ball brushed the hand of defender Oliver Scarles. A VAR review deemed it accidental.
There was a VAR check after Wilson’s goal, too, but that would have been a get-out-of-jail that Spurs and Frank did not deserve. They are getting all they are worth right now.
