West Ham United’s poor start to the 2024-25 season continued with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, leaving the Hammers languishing in 15th place.
Spurs were dominant throughout the match, with Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and Son Heung-min all getting on the scoresheet.
West Ham’s misery was compounded by a red card for Mohammed Kudus, who now faces a potential extended ban for violent conduct.
Kudus lost his temper during the match, pushing both Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr to the ground. According to the Mirror (October 21, Page 49), the 24-year-old could be handed a ban longer than the usual three games.
His outburst also saw him kick Van de Ven, shove Sarr in the head, and collide with Richarlison, who was knocked over in the ensuing melee.
The incident has drawn comparisons to Joey Barton’s infamous nine-game ban in 2012, when the former midfielder was sent off for three separate acts of violent conduct while playing for Queens Park Rangers against Manchester City.
Kudus, a £38 million signing in 2023, has been integral to Julen Lopetegui’s plans this season.
He has started all eight Premier League matches, scoring twice along the way. His absence would be a significant setback for West Ham as they try to steady the ship after a turbulent start to the campaign.
With the East Londoners already struggling for form, losing Kudus for several games could deepen their troubles in the coming weeks, placing more pressure on Lopetegui to turn things around.