Half-Time Report: Cheikhou Kouyate heads West Ham United into lead at Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham United lead Tottenham Hotspur at half time thanks to a thumping header from Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.

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It was Spurs who threatened first in a lively opening period as Nabil Bentaleb stung the hands of Adrian with a fierce strike from 25 yards inside the opening five minutes, before Harry Kane latched on to Danny Rose's long ball and flicked an effort around the West Ham goalkeeper, only to see his shot clip the post.

However, Sam Allardyce's side took the lead when Aaron Cresswell was sent free down the left of the Spurs box and floated a cross towards Kouyate, who planted a powerful header beyond Hugo Lloris at the near post.

Spurs almost hit back instantly when Kane's chipped pass found Rose, who lofted his header beyond the onrushing Adrian and onto the roof of the net.

The lively Cresswell then teed up Enner Valencia, who could not find a way past Lloris with two bites at the cherry, before a quick Spurs counter-attack culminated with Ryan Mason dragging a shot narrowly wide of goal.

Another Mason effort from range was as close as Spurs came to restoring parity as the game became increasingly scrappy as half time approached.