Tottenham Hotspur drew for the eighth time in 14 Premier League games as they were pegged back by West Bromwich Albion at a blustery Hawthorns this afternoon.
Dele Alli, back after suspension, opened the scoring for Spurs with a fine first-time volley. James McClean levelled for the Baggies with a back-post header prior to the interval.
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Saido Berahino was left on the bench by Albion. Tottenham made four bids for the striker in the summer and will go back in for him in January, according to the Daily Mail.
Two players who Spurs have added to their first-team squad this season combined for their goal after 15 minutes, although they were helped out by awful Albion defending.
A 70-yard Toby Alderweireld punt was allowed to bounce and Alli ghosted in between the two centre-backs and finished very smartly for his third goal of this breakthrough season.
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Although the visitors continued to dominate possession, West Brom grew into the game and began to ask questions of the Tottenham defence with a series of set pieces around the box.
It was a lovely move in open play which brought about their equaliser though as Darren Fletcher crossed for McClean to power home ahead of Kyle Walker for his first Baggies goal.
SEE MORE: James McClean goal video: Ireland star scores first of West Brom career
Harry Kane was kept quieter than usual but had one great chance to score when Boaz Myhill blocked his shot from Alli’s through-ball. Craig Dawson nearly skewed the follow-up clearance into his own net.
Albion had the strong wind with them in the second half and used it to exert some pressure on Tottenham, whose more grounded and passing style was not suited to the conditions.
Dead-ball situations remained West Brom’s best source of chances. Hugo Lloris saved brilliantly from a Jonas Olsson header, who nodded the resultant corner wide after losing his marker.
Tottenham appeared in slight danger of losing an unbeaten run which stretches back to the opening day of the season, although they nearly nicked the points themselves through Clinton N’Jie.
The substitute was delightfully played in on goal by Eric Dier and was one-on-one with Myhill and seemingly destined to score when a debatable offside flag stopped him in his tracks.
Spurs are now six points behind leaders Leicester City and must put a string of wins together to keep pace. Next up is Newcastle United at home when a point won’t be deemed enough by Pochettino.
A third game without defeat leaves West Brom 13th in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone. The two sides meet again in late April. For whom will Berahino be playing?
Tottenham player ratings:
GK: Hugo Lloris – 7/10
RB: Kyle Walker – 5/10
CB: Toby Alderweireld – 7/10
CB: Jan Vertonghen – 6/10
LB: Danny Rose – 7/10
CM: Eric Dier – 6/10
CM: Mousa Dembele – 6/10
AMR: Erik Lamela – 6/10
AMC: Dele Alli – 7/10
AML: Christian Eriksen – 5/10
ST: Harry Kane – 6/10
Substitutes:
Son Heung-Min – 5/10
Clinton N’Jie – 6/10
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