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Jose Mourinho praises Lucas Moura’s performance

Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
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Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has told Football.London that he feels only Lucas Moura showed the attacking intensity he wanted against Arsenal.

Mourinho saw his side lose 2-1 in Sunday’s North London derby at the Emirates Stadium, despite taking the lead through a stunning Erik Lamela rabona.

Martin Odegaard equalised for Arsenal before Alexandre Lacazette won it from the penalty spot having been brought down by Davinson Sanchez.

This was a disappointing display from Spurs. They just never got going in attack, and Mourinho seemed to set his side up very cautiously.

Mourinho has though picked out one player for praise, suggesting that nobody was showing attacking intensity apart from Lucas Moura.

Mourinho felt that his attacking players were too happy to take the ball into feet and take the safe option, rather than attack space like Lucas did,

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

“We also didn’t have the intensity to play,” said Mourinho. “Everybody was dropping back to have the ball at their feet and nobody was attacking the gap, apart from Lucas with some individual actions, we were not like that,” he added.

Lucas isn’t always the most popular Spurs player, and he has blown hot and cold throughout his time with the club, but he certainly impressed against Arsenal.

The 28-year-old recorded two key passes, one assist, one tackle won, one accurate cross, two interceptions, four successful dribbles and five aerial duels won in a fine performance; if only some of his teammates had followed suit.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images