This archive report was first published on 26 December 2021.
December 26, 2021, marked a significant day for Tottenham Hotspur as they secured a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, stretching their unbeaten Premier League run under new manager Antonio Conte to six games.
Brazilian Lucas Moura was instrumental in the win, creating goals for Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, and scoring one for himself. The victory moved Tottenham up to fifth in the table, while it proved a dispiriting day for Palace, who faded after a decent start and were reduced to 10 men in the 37th minute when Wilfried Zaha was sent off.
By the time Zaha was sent off, Tottenham were well in control, with Kane sweeping in from Moura's pass before Moura headed the second. Son wrapped up the win with his side's third from close range in the 74th minute.
Tottenham have 29 points, six less than fourth-placed Arsenal but have played three games fewer after having two matches postponed this month due to COVID-19. Conte has changed the vibe at Tottenham since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, and this latest victory provided further proof that his methods are paying off.
"It is not bad (league position)," Moura told BT Sport. "There are a lot of games to play. We are taking it step by step and game by game and working hard. If we keep going this way we can think about big things."
