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Moura, Tottenham take Crystal Palace to task 3-0 in the Premier League

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 26, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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In a match very much the opposite of the first between the teams, a Lucas Moura-led Tottenham Hotspur were too much for Crystal Palace in a 3-0 Premier League win.

It was at Crystal Palace when the beginning of the end of Nuno Espirito Santo began for Tottenham Hotspur.  On that day in September, Tottenham was without a number of players from injuries and isolation absences following the first international break. Then an hour into the match, a poor decision by Japhet Tanganga led to a second yellow card and a sending off.

Tanganga’s red card preceded a terrible capitulation in the final quarter-hour, as Tottenham lost 3-0. The big difference today was that Tottenham was already up 2-0 on a somewhat Covid-depleted Palace side when Wilfred Zaha made a poor decision, getting a second yellow, leaving the Eagles with just 10 men for over 50 minutes.

Following the red card, Spurs were truly unflustered as Tottenham waltzed to a comfortable 3-0 win, behind the brilliance of Brazilian Lucas Moura.

Tottenham is in total control

Spurs were in control from the off against Palace. Although Jordon Ayew had a half-chance early – it may have been Palace’s best look all day – Heung-min Son was forcing a save from Jack Butland within 2 minutes and it was obvious Tottenham could only beat themselves on the day.

Palace was pushing early to make it an open game and managed three shots compared to Spurs four in the opening 15 minutes. As Tottenham grew more comfortable, so did their superiority and over the last 30 minutes of the first half, Spurs dominated, not allowing a shot, while scoring twice and controlling the game.

As Spurs’ dominance grew, it was obvious a breakthrough would be coming as Tottenham went pushing for the opener. Sergio Reguilon had a nice cross into Moura – one of several good crosses from the Spaniard on the day – but the glancing header went wide of the goal for Lucas but the impetus for a goal was there for Spurs.