Tottenham ended up on the wrong end of a classic “smash and grab” job as West Brom stole a 1-0 win in the 92nd minute at The Hawthorns.
Needing a win to stand any chance of avoiding relegation, Darren Moore’s Baggies adopted a highly cautious approach and seemed to be heading for the drop without ever really having a go at their visitors.
Spurs had 74 percent of the possession and five shots on target, while Albion only managed one.
However, that solitary effort proved decisive as Jake Livermore bundled the ball over the line from a corner.
In the end, it looked like Moore had managed the occasion perfectly, while Spurs are still looking over their shoulder in the top four fight.
Positives
While Chelsea can move within two points of Tottenham on Sunday, they will need to beat Champions League finalists Liverpool to do so.
Spurs could yet end the weekend lying comfortably five points ahead of the Blues, and with a superior goal difference.
Meanwhile, the north Londoners’ final two fixtures are at home against Newcastle and Leicester, who both have little to play for and seem to have started their summer holidays early.
Negatives
Spurs’ 2-0 win over Watford flattered them a bit, and this was another uninspiring display which merited a point but probably nothing more. If Chelsea beat Liverpool then Tottenham will need to improve for their final two matches.
West Brom worked hard to deny Tottenham space, but the north Londoners’ toothlessness was still disappointing. Kane was off-colour again and in the second half, he was closer to scoring into his own net than Ben Foster’s.
Meanwhile, Spurs’ best player was arguably Toby Alderweireld, who is likely to leave this summer.
Manager rating out of 10
6 — Mauricio Pochettino tried to boost his side’s threat and outflank Albion by changing his formation for this match, switching from the usual 4-2-3-1 system to 3-4-3, but his team failed to score. He could have made earlier changes. While Son Heung-Min was introduced in the 67th minute, it took Pochettino 78 minutes to bring on the speedy Lucas Moura, and Fernando Llorente only appeared five minutes from time.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 7 — Reacted brilliantly to save Kane from an own goal and then made two point-blank stops in the scramble when Albion got their winner. He couldn’t have done much more.
DF Kieran Trippier, 6 — Set up a good first-half chance for Kane, playing him in with a smart pass from the touchline, but otherwise his impact was limited and Albion’s defenders dealt comfortably with his aerial crosses.
DF Toby Alderweireld, 8 — Made a series of strong challenges, with a sliding block that denied Salomon Rondon particularly impressive. His long-range passing was immaculate too. He just couldn’t repel Albion’s decisive assault.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 6 — Had some tough battles with Rondon, losing some while winning others. He was generally solid but a slip in his own penalty box early in the second half could have been costly. Alderweireld saved his blushes.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 — Making his 250th Spurs appearance, the Belgian probed for openings on the left side of the back three and joined in with attacks whenever possible. One second-half break created a chance for Erik Lamela. He limped off before Albion’s winner.
DF Danny Rose, 6 — Had a lively duel with Allan Nyom and an altercation which resulted in both players being booked. The left-back was unable to beat his marker as often as he would have liked, but he had a late penalty appeal turned down and set up a header for Fernando Llorente with a hanging cross.
MF Victor Wanyama, 6 — Gave his side a solid base in midfield and tested Foster with a curling 25-yard effort. But he was beaten too easily by Matt Phillips at one point.
MF Christian Eriksen, 7 — Playing in a deep-lying midfield role, the Dane pulled the strings and set the tempo while forcing a diving save from Foster with a free kick. But he couldn’t conjure up a goal.
FW Erik Lamela, 5 — Buzzed around energetically but was largely crowded out. Dele Alli played him in on goal in the second half but his first touch was heavy.
FW Dele Ali, 5 — Also struggled to find space and was the first player to be withdrawn.
FW Harry Kane, 4 — Had a big chance in the first half but was denied by Foster one vs. one, and was otherwise subdued. His control and passing was below par, and he very nearly scored an own goal.
Substitutes
MF Son Heung-Min, 6 — Registered a decent shot on goal but it was straight at Foster.
MF Lucas Moura, N/R — His direct running gave Albion a different challenge. Could have been introduced earlier.
FW Fernando Llorente, N/R — Had a header saved late on.
Ben is ESPN FC’s Tottenham blogger. Follow on Twitter: @BenPearceSpurs.
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