Tottenham´s collapse and West Ham´s thrilling comeback in Opta numberss

Tottenham looked set to be cruising to a convincing victory over West Ham, yet David Moyes’ side produced a comeback for the ages in north London.

Manuel Lanzini’s stunning strike in the 94th minute secured a 3-3 draw, against all odds.

The Hammers were 3-0 down in the 81st minute, but became the first side in Premier League history to avoid defeat having been behind by that scoreline that late in a match.

Lanzini’s goal settled an enthralling contest, with Spurs having taken the lead inside 45 seconds thanks to Son Heung-min.

Harry Kane was the provider for Son’s opener, and the South Korea star returned the favour seven minutes later – the duo have combined for eight Premier League goals this season already.

Only Teddy Sheringham and Darren Anderton (1992-93 & 1994-95) and Sheringham and Chris Armstrong (1995-96) have combined for more in a single Premier League season for Spurs (all nine).

28 – Son Heung-min and Harry Kane have combined for 28 Premier League goals, the fourth-most of any duo in Premier League history and the most of any current duo. Rising. pic.twitter.com/2sCBdVc5gx

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 18, 2020

Kane had his second with a close-range header in the 16th minute, and the England captain has now been directly involved in 12 top-flight goals this season, the highest number of direct goal involvements by a player after five fixtures of a single campaign.

With Spurs cruising, Gareth Bale was introduced with just under 20 minutes remaining, with the Welshman making his first Premier League appearance for Tottenham since May 2013, seven years and 152 days ago.

Yet it was to be West Ham who had the final say.

Fabian Balbuena’s header got them off the mark with eight minutes of normal time remaining. He was teed up by Aaron Cresswell, who has provided 21 Premier League assists for West Ham; only Trevor Sinclair (25), Paolo Di Canio (31) and Mark Noble (35) have registered more for the club.

Spurs had won each of their previous 87 Premier League matches when leading by at least three goals, last dropping points from this position in a 5-3 defeat against Manchester United in September 2001, but Davinson Sanchez’s own goal gave the Hammers real hope and, in incredible fashion, Lanzini thumped home a first-time strike from long range to seal a remarkable fightback.

“It is one those special moments in football. Like it was meant to be,” West Ham’s Declan Rice told Sky Sports. “Once we got one we felt we could get a draw, and it was a moment of brilliance from Manu.

“I can’t imagine what it is like for Manu to score that. As soon as it has left his foot… you can see the reaction.”

3 – West Ham are the first team in Premier League history to avoid defeat in a game having been 0-3 down as late as the 81st minute. Comeback. #TOTWHU pic.twitter.com/bvsiVTV8X8

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 18, 2020