Lucas Moura scored the only goal as Tottenham beat Burnley 1-0 to progress to the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

The Brazilian settled the all-Premier League fourth-round clash in the 68th minute at Turf Moor, firmly planting home a header from Emerson Royal’s cross.

Victory means the 2021 finalists in this competition are through to the last eight for the third time in four years.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side also registered a first clean sheet in 11 attempts, and only a second away win in eight.

 

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 27, 2021

Tottenham had only lost once in their 14 previous meetings with Burnley and had a good chance after just three minutes.

Giovani Lo Celso played Harry Kane through on goal, but the England captain uncharacteristically dragged his effort wide.

Emerson came to Spurs' rescue at the other end 10 minutes later; the full-back importantly clearing Johann Gudmundsson’s deep cross with Dwight McNeil lurking.

Aiming to beat a Premier League opponent over 90 minutes for the first time in five attempts in this competition, Spurs turned up the pressure after the break.

Nick Pope produced brilliant reflexes to deny Lo Celso from Kane's through ball in the 65th minute.

However, the Burnley goalkeeper was powerless three minutes later as an unmarked Lucas – on as an early substitute for the injured Bryan Gil – headed in Emerson's cross from close range.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser late on with Ashley Barnes testing Pierluigi Gollini from distance.

However, Spurs held on and the Clarets' wait for a first quarter-final appearance since the 2008-09 season continues.
 

What does it mean? Spurs back on track

Tottenham got back to winning ways in a competition they have often fared well in, a welcome boost following last weekend’s demoralising London derby defeat at West Ham.

Despite struggling for consistency in the Premier League, their progression will provide a timely confidence booster ahead of hosting Manchester United in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Burnley are now without a win in five matches; something the Clarets must address if they are to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Lucas shows his class

The forward was introduced far earlier than he would have anticipated following the injury to Gil on 25 minutes.

Nevertheless, he made his mark on proceedings with the decisive goal – his first of the season - while no other player on the pitch bettered his tallies of two shots on target and two key passes.

Rodriguez rumbled

The former Southampton and West Brom striker netted four times against Rochdale in the previous round, meaning he had been directly involved in 19 goals in his 20 most recent EFL Cup appearances.

However, the 32-year-old was unable to make a significant impact today.

Indeed, he was substituted after 60 minutes, having registered just 12 touches – the lowest tally of any Burnley starter – and completed only five passes.

What's next?

Both sides return to Premier League action on Saturday. Tottenham host a wounded United side who are reeling after losing to Liverpool, while Burnley welcome Brentford to Turf Moor.