Tottenham hammered relegated Huddersfield Town to move back up to third place in the Premier League. Lucas Moura picked up the Man-of-the-Match awarded, he scored his first hat-trick for the club.
Tottenham are not showing any signs of nerves in the race to secure a Champions League place. Mauricio Pochettino has lost striker Harry Kane to injury for the rest of the season, but the Spurs gaffer needn’t have worried. Lucas Moura started up front alongside Fernando Llorente for the visit of Huddersfield.
Moura scored two goals in the final five minutes of the game to seal the win and claim the match ball. The Spurs forward couldn’t hide his delight at scoring his first hat-trick for the club and the first at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"What a day, what a game! I am so happy, I have no words to explain this moment,” smiled the forward. “I am happy first about my team-mates and the team, we did very well today with a good performance and of course to score my first hat-trick here in the new stadium with my family and my son here… I am so happy (via Tottenahmhotspur.com)."
Spurs weren’t in a sympathetic mood towards Huddersfield. The majority of the play was either in the middle of the park or in Huddersfield’s half of the pitch. 22 shots were registered by Spurs, and Victor Wanyama’s opening goal was the catalyst for an excellent all-round performance. Wanyama recently returned from injury and completed 90 minutes of game time.
Pochettino’s side are in the middle of an important battle for the right to play Champions League football next season. Spurs have a half-time lead against Manchester City in Europe, a position earned from a good win at home. It raised questions whether Tottenham’s new ground would inspire the opposition, three wins and three clean sheets shows it’s had the opposite effect. Spurs have had a perfect start to life at their new stadium.
Spurs head North to take on Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League tie at the Etihad Stadium. What a time for Lucas Moura to come into form. City will be up for the challenge. Pep Guardiola’s side are on a quest for the quadruple. Expect both teams to score in what should be a brilliant game. Will Pochettino select an attacking starting XI?