Football agent Fabrizio Romano said "Conte is making your players better" and he was right. Last one who rapidly improved is Dutch player Steven Bergwijn. Almost forgotten winger had his chance in League Cup clash against city rival West Ham and I'd say he fully used it. Goal, assist and one more chance denied in last moment were his contribution to Spurs win against West Ham 2:1.
It was not easy watch, both clubs were missing some good players like Antonio or Romero. It was tough with not so many chances, but showed again what tactical master Antonio Conte really is. To put two dribblers like Lucas and Steven Bergwijn against higher robust well organized West Ham defense... That was class. His in game management in second half was also superb.
However game showed us again that Spurs have problems in defense with high balls. Sanchez no matter how good he might be in pass or shoot blocking or tackling is lacking that part of game and looks weak in duels in air. There was period after 1st goal when West Ham made couple of very dangerous headers denied by Pantherman Hugo Lloris, who was heavily let down by defenders in that period. Soon after goal has been conceded and just when I become angry on watching that period Steven Bergwijn and Lucas did trickery again and last one scored goal for 2:1!
Second half was more less holding lead without dangerous attack. Conte substituted Bergwijn in second half and brought in Son who was shocking. It looked like spider man first touch with ball is betraying him. He looked very off in this game. That reminds me on his couple of chances against Liverpool particularly on one after offside in first half when he was alone and let Alison take him away live ball, or one near the end also from offside when he failed to score from close range from narrow position.
Good news is that we have awaken and ready Steven Bergwijn who can always jump in when Son doesn't have his night. When he came to Spurs and scored that Euro goal against Manchester City I thought we have killer, but he was far away from that since than. Fortunately Conte knows how to use him in the best way and told him he should attack opponent in one on one situations in final third more often! He has pace and skill. His Spurs career fell after he hit post against Liverpool last season. Fans were angry on him, but that was just unlucky, he did everything right targeting far post and damn ball just hit post. I am happy I read he still has chance in Spurs.
I have no doubt Conte will bring the best from him. Next opponent in Carabao Cup is Chelsea. There will be two legs in January. We'll see what Tottenham can do against them and which trap will Conte make for Tuchel's side. I love to see hammers hammered. Bubbles have been punctured with needle called Steven Bergwijn!
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