Image Credit: Premier League
By Lee Clow
13 April 2019 | Premier League
Lucas Moura scored a brilliant hattrick for Tottenham as they secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over relegated side Huddersfield Town, to reclaim third spot from Chelsea in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino was confident in his team selection as he decided to make seven changes to the side that overcame Manchester City in the Champions League quarter final first leg.
Tottenham deservedly took the lead when Victor Wanyama danced through the six yard box and rounded keeper Ben Hamer to slot home. Fernando Llorente had a hand in the opener, when he occupied two Huddersfield defenders and flicked the ball into the path of Wanyama, who showed great footwork to convert his first goal of the season. Just 2 minutes later, Tottenham led 2-0 as Lucas Moura fired in his first after being played in by Moussa Sissoko.
After the break, Huddersfield mounted a rally but were unable to get themselves onto the score sheet. Scoring goals has been Huddersfield’s achilles heal all season, having only scored 19 goals in the Premier League.
Fernando Llorente came close to getting Tottenham’s third goal when he controlled Juan Foyth’s cross superbly, however his follow up shot was denied by the crossbar.
Tottenham finally found their third after a great counter attack involving Eriksen and Lucas. Eriksen played in a beautiful ball to the edge of the area where Lucas arrived in space and controlled excellently to slot home his second. Along with his goal, Lucas pulled out a spectacular celebration, reminiscent of legend Spurs striker, Robbie Keane.
With 3 minutes to go, Lucas scored got his first hattrick since leaving Brazil for Europe in 2013. Substitute Son-Heung Min broke well and played in Lucas who finished emphatically to score the first hattrick and Tottenham’s new stadium. After an excellent game, Lucas celebrated with his son on the pitch.
The comfortable win for Tottenham sets them up well for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester City. With majority of their main stars rested, the game allowed other players to step up to the plate and give the manager a selection problem for the next game. With relation already confirmed for Huddersfield, the game allowed manager Jan Siewert to experiment with his squad and prepare early for next year in the Championship.
After the game, Pochettino spoke about his team selection for the match. "Rather than rest players, it was about providing the team with fresh legs because the effort was big against City. Everyone will have an opinion but after the game we can say it was a right decision."
Siewert also spoke after the game stating his disappointment on the result. "In the end it was hard for us to take that we conceded another two goals. The result does not reflect it. We had our chances and should have scored twice, this makes me proud, but at the end of the day I do not like the result."
What’s next?
Tottenham play Manchester City in the quarter final second leg of the Champions League on Wednesday, the first of their 2 matches against Manchester City, with the second coming in the Premier League on Saturday. Huddersfield, meanwhile, host Watford on Saturday in their penultimate home match before returning to the Championship.
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