Spurs fans here in the Tavern are drinking away their sorrows after conceding a late equaliser against Rochdale, in a game that saw the Lilywhites struggle to take their chances.
Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino’s side were almost on the receiving end of one of the biggest cup upsets in their recent history, as League One’s bottom side managed to take the lead against the Premier League outfit. Of course, it was a huge step down from facing Italian giants Juventus midweek, but they could only manage to produce the same scoreline of two goals apiece at Spotland.
However, one huge positive to take out of the FA Cup encounter was the performance of January signing Lucas Moura, in what was his first start for the Lilywhites. The 25-year-old was a standout performer for Spurs after producing the Brazilian trickery that fans had been waiting for, with his 59th-minute leveller sending the away end into a frenzy. A big step in the right direction for both the club and the player himself, who will now have earned his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
Therefore, with the tricky task of facing London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, here’s TWO reasons as to why Pochettino seriously must start Lucas Moura against the Eagles…
Palace’s weakness
Crystal Palace currently hold one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, with opposition attacks often managing to score goals with ease at times. In particular, Spurs should look to match Lucas Moura up against Palace’s right-back position, after Joel Ward struggled to keep a lid on the pace and power of Theo Walcott in their last encounter.
Therefore, providing the aspect of pace that’s caused Palace problems on multiple occasions so far this season, Lucas Moura could easily notch his first Premier League goal for the club on Sunday.
The missing piece
Tottenham have finally found the key component within their game that’s been missing at times so far this season, as the acceleration and speed of Lucas Moura has been a blessing in disguise for the Lilywhites. Indeed, in his first full start for Spurs against Rochdale, the attacking intent and pace displayed by the Brazilian was a constant threat for the opposition.
Subsequently, the ability to drive at opposition defenders by utilizing pace and skill is something that only Son Heung-Min has managed to do thus far, with Spurs often being deprived of these key traits in games against bigger sides. However, after adding the attacking brilliance of the Brazilian to their ranks in the January transfer window, they’ll now be keen to use it in the Premier League ahead of a crucial couple of months for Tottenham.
