Agonising

You have to feel sorry for West Ham fans and for some of their players. The records will show that they were beaten 4-3 by Tottenham Hotspur but, as is often the case, the truth lies beyond the reach of statistics.

Here, for the first time in a long time, was a spirit that recalled that this was the club which at Upton Park had beaten both Manchester United and Arsenal this season. You could see it in Robert Green’s courageous goalkeeping. In Lucas Neill’s effort and composure. In the commitment of young Mark Noble and (for 11 minutes before injury) Matthew Upson. And above all it shone from the heroic performance of the magnificent Carlos Tevez, the Argentinian whose effort and skill shamed some of his colleagues.

But it was not enough to compensate for the inadequacy of Konchesky and Quashie, or the apparent indifference of Etherington, Harewood, Bowyer and Ferdinand. The last two of these even managed to boost Tottenham’s cause when they needed it most – Bowyer with an unnecessary penalty inspired by adolescent thoughts of petty revenge, and Ferdinand with a needless free kick which gifted the talented Berbatov an equaliser.

West Ham United has a proud tradition, a history of quality football. But right now it is a club in turmoil, propelled towards relegation by a minority of players who are not fit to represent the club. Or any other. And they, together with many Hammers fans, know who they are.