Tottenham Hotspur forward Lucas Moura has struggled to find his top form when starting this season, like many of Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s players.
Tottenham were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle last weekend, with Moura disappointed at missing a glorious chance.
The Brazilian striker lifted a shot over the bar from close range, when he really should have scored.
“I missed a very clear opportunity and I am upset about this. We need to get back to work this week and win the next game against Arsenal,” Moura said.
Moura’s mood could be about to worsen though, as there are real question marks over whether he Mauricio Pochettino will start him for Spurs against Arsenal.
With Heung-Min Son back, Christian Eriksen waiting in the wings and Dele Alli returning to full fitness, competition for places in Tottenham’s team is fierce.
Spurs’s attack has not looked right since the very start of the season, with Moura struggling to show his best form.
Although Moura did come off the bench to score against Manchester City, when he has started he has struggled.
Moura may be offered more space in behind against Arsenal, which could suit him, but Pochettino faces a real selection dilemma.
Spurs appear to be lacking the creativity of a genuine playmaker like Eriksen or Alli, with Erik Lamela having to fulfil the role over the opening weeks.
If Pochettino does want to bring in Eriksen or Alli – or potentially both – then Moura looks one of the most likely men to be dropped.
Moura has often been used as a substitute in Tottenham’s biggest games, with Pochettino seemingly still having some reservations over utilising him as a permanent starter.
And it could be that the rapid forward, who is already upset, may become more disappointed if he does miss out, which now appears to be a real possibility.
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