Tottenham Hotspur slipped away from league leaders Leicester City as they dropped two crucial points against West Bromwich Albion, leaving them seven points off the top of the table.

Tottenham's attacking pressure pays off

As expected, it was the hosts who came out of the blocks the sharpest, hitting the woodwork twice in the opening fifteen minutes. The first opportunity fell to the league's top goalscorer Harry Kane, who had his shot from inside of the box tipped onto the post after neat interplay involving PFA Young Player of the Year Dele Alli at the centre of the attack.

Christian Eriksen had already forced a quality save from Boaz Myhill from a free-kick and the Dane went close again as he clipped the top of the crossbar. Spurs continue to press as Kane forced another save from Myhill, whilst Eric Dier headed just wide from the resulting corner.

Craig Gardner hit a rare West Brom effort over the crossbar before eventually Spurs got a deserved opener. It was another Eriksen free-kick that caused problems, as he whipped the ball between the West Brom defence and Myhill, only for Craig Dawson to divert the ball into his own net.

Spurs players celebrate the goal (photo: Getty Images)
Spurs players celebrate the goal (photo: Getty Images)

The game opened up as West Brom sought a route back into the contest

West Brom began to get a slight foothold in the game towards the end of the half, as a flurry of efforts forced blocks from a Tottenham defence that has been tight all season. The Baggies then continued to search for a way back into the game after the restart, as Salomon Rondon and Craig Gardner both had efforts.

Though Spurs rode the wave and it was not long before they hit the woodwork a third time. Alli flicked the ball to Eriksen, whose crossed found Erik Lamela, only for the Argentine to see his shot rebound off the post. 

Rondon headed an effort wide, but Spurs continued to look the most likely to score the second of the game as Eriksen and Moussa Dembele both hit driving efforts just wide.

However, for a team defending a one goal lead in a chase for the title, the game was far too open for the hosts. Rondon forced a fine save from Hugo Lloris, before West Brom's renewed sense of adventure eventually came good. The resulting corner was misjudged by Lloris, as Dawson climbed above Dier to score his second goal of the game, this time at the right end.

Spurs knew they had to win this game to keep their title dreams alive, but just could not muster any more chances as West Brom grew in confidence. The atmosphere dampened and eventually time ran out on Spurs' attempt to win the game and probably their title ambitions. 
 

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