So it wasn’t quite the start to the season that West Ham and Tottenham fans had hoped for - a summer of optimism somewhat dented by uninspired performances and disappointing defeats. But should either side be reaching for the panic button?

A great deal has been said in the press and chat-rooms about the Hammers and Spurs with their new investments leading to a marked improvement in fortunes.

West Ham were a poor second to a similarly rejuvenated Manchester City side, and all they had to be thankful for was the return from long-term injury of Dean Ashton, who perhaps unsurprisingly came closest to scoring  when he hit a volley narrowly wide. Whilst it would be unwise to draw hasty conclusions from the first 90 minutes of a season, I think the bedraggled look that Alan Curbishley wore for most of the game was that of a realisation that his purchases and pre-season endeavour have not so easily wiped away the year of struggle last term.

'The bedraggled look that Alan Curbishley wore was a realisation that his purchases and pre-season endeavour have not away the struggle of last term'


Even though West Ham fielded a side that included some new names, their lack of fluidity cannot be explained away by this factor. Their opponents, after all, fielded a side that had barely met each other prior to kick-off but they managed to gel tremendously well on the field.

Martin Jol wore a similar grimace for much of his side's dull and limp performance at the Stadium of Light. At least Spurs fans could claim that for 90 or so minutes their side was as inept as Roy Keane’s, something the East London outfit could not do. What will be cause for concern is the lack of creativity in the Spurs midfield that meant that the famous strike force barely troubled new keeper Craig Gordon.

The defeat against the Premier League new boys makes claims of a Champions League spot a tad hopeful. The talent is there in droves and, defensively at least, they do look a tighter ship. But going forward they are not looking sharp - a lot of this may be solved when Aaron Lennon comes back from injury.

No doubt detractors of both London sides are enjoying the situation. But West Ham and Tottenham are notoriously slow starters and both have managers who will not have minced their words in the dressing rooms on Saturday afternoon. This was a wake-up call, and let's hope both sides have managed to arise from their slumber by the time they next take to the field.