David Moyes recalls a dramatic draw as Lanzini’s goal sparked West Ham’s ‘boost’

David Moyes believes West Ham’s latest visit to Tottenham has kickstarted the transformation from relegation contenders to top-four challengers.

In October 2020, the Hammers were 3-0 down to their derby rivals after just 16 minutes and were still trailing by the same margin with eight minutes to go.

But Fabian Balbuena clawed one back and a Davinson Sanchez own goal set up a grandstand finish that was crowned by a memorable strike from Manuel Lanzini to clinch an unlikely point.

Moyes, who returns to Spurs with West Ham on Sunday, said: “I think sometimes managers in football will tell you there are things that can completely change the outcome of your season.

“I think that gave us a lot of confidence and momentum as we came down from 0-3 to get back up to 3-3 against Tottenham.

“That was a great game from us, also with the quality of the goal at the end. So it was a big moment and a lift from where we were.

“It was like a win that night. Any team would tell you that if you were 3-0 down and came back. Arsenal did well against us at home last year and the truth is they haven’t looked back either.”

Lanzini had struggled for form after suffering a cruciate ligament injury on duty in Argentina in 2018 but he is now a key part of the West Ham side as they aim to finish in the top four again.

“He’s a different player. He plays differently after his cruciate ligament, it changed the way he played a little bit,” added Moyes.

“But he’s a little more mature now and is doing things better. He’s much more of an all-around footballer and his work output is very good. His football helped us and we needed him.

“He’s been with the team for three months now and has made a huge difference for us, he really has.”