Erik Lamela endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League, but he has become a talismanic figure in Tottenhams transformation under Mauricio Pochettino. After his starring role in Sundays 3-0 win over Manchester United, we examine his improvement… It was in the middle of September that Mauricio Pochettino laid down the gauntlet to Erik Lamela. The club-record £25m signing had struggled to live up to his billing in his first two years in the Premier League, and time was running out for him to prove himself in north London.I think this is a key season for him, said Pochettino. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him. Not to put pressure, but its true. Its a key moment for him to develop and to move on his game. Its important. Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino hailed a perfect performance by his players in their 3-0 win against Manchester United Two days later Lamela scored only his seventh goal in 68 appearances for Spurs in a Europa League tie with Qarabag, and hasnt looked back since. A player who once drifted absently through games has become a snarling embodiment of Tottenhams fighting spirit under Pochettino - and his talent is shining through, too. Lamelas goal record Erik Lamela has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season - twice as many as in the whole of the 2014/15 campaign. His blend of tough-tackling and technical quality has made him a crucial figure for Spurs, and those attributes were more apparent than ever in his man-of-the-match display against Manchester United on Super Sunday. The Lamela of old might have hidden away after his glaring miss from Christian Eriksens cross in the first half, but instead he came back stronger. Erik Lamela celebrates after scoring Tottenhams third goal In the frantic six-minute spell in which Tottenham destroyed United in the second half, Lamela was a key figure in every goal. For the opener, his persistence won possession to launch the move that ended with Dele Alli converting Eriksens smart delivery. And after producing the free kick for Toby Alderweirelds headed second, his crisp finish from Danny Roses cross made it three.Lamelas all-action approach typified Tottenhams breathless intensity, and he set up further scoring chances for Harry Kane and Kyle Walker as the hosts continued to pour forward in the closing stages. His impact has not been lost on Spurs supporters, and when he was replaced by Nacer Chadli in the 87th minute, the standing ovation that followed was no surprise.The statistics highlighted his outstanding all-round contribution. Lamela made more tackles (nine) and won more duels (12) than anyone else at White Hart Lane, and he ranked top for shots on goal with three. At the time of his withdrawal, the Argentine had also ran further (11.29km) and made more sprints (64) than any other player. Tottenham kept their faint hopes of winning the league alive after they hammered Manchester United 3-0 at White Hart Lane The numbers will make pleasing reading for Pochettino when he reflects on the game at Tottenhams Enfield training ground this week, and the head coach deserves immense credit for overseeing such a dramatic improvement from his countryman. Breaking the hoodoo This was Tottenhams first win over Manchester United at White Hart Lane since May 2001, ending a run of 14 home games without a win against the Red Devils. Hes been very patient with him and obviously the Argentinian link has helped Erik, former Tottenham captain Ledley King told Sky Sports. Weve seen a big improvement from him this season, and its not just his goals, its his assists and work-rate. He looks stronger, and the managers got a big part to play in that.Lamela was not the first player to struggle with the adaption from Serie A to Premier League when he arrived from Roma in 2013, but after minimal improvement in his first two seasons, it must have been tempting for both parties to cut their losses. For Pochettino and Lamela, however, persistence has paid off. Poch praises perfect Spurs Mauricio Pochettino praised Tottenhams perfect performance at White Hart Lane. Hes got the pace of the Premier League now, added King. When he first came he probably thought hed get more time on the ball but he quickly had to realise that you dont get it in the Premier League. His game has quickened up and hes got stronger as a player. Weve seen a big improvement from him this season, and its not just his goals, its his assists and work-rate. He looks stronger, and the managers got a big part to play in that. Ledley King on Erik Lamela King was not alone in praising Tottenhams No 11, with Graeme Souness highlighting his role in the first goal as evidence of his improvement. Hes a tough-tackling wide player now, he said. You see it for the first goal. Its a never-say-die attitude. Hes on the ground still trying to win the ball back for his team.That never-say-die attitude might not be enough to overhaul Leicester in the final five games of the Premier League season, but for transformed Tottenham and the talismanic Lamela, the future looks very bright. Also See: Poch praises perfect Spurs Spurs keep title chase alive DeMarcus Ware Jersey . Vettel, who has already clinched his fourth straight F1 title, enters the finale with a chance to equal Michael Schumachers 13 victories in a year and match the record of nine consecutive wins by Alberto Ascari in the 1952 and 1953 seasons. 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Three members of the 2015 AP All-Pro team -- Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas, Baltimore guard Marshal Yanda and Seattle kick returner Tyler Lockett -- are among the 32 finalists for the NFLs Art Rooney Award recognizing sportsmanship.The winner of the award -- established in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Pro Football Hall of Famer -- is determined by a vote of current NFL players. A panel of former players will select eight finalists, four from each conference. Panel members are Hall of Famer Curtis Martin, Warrick Dunn, Karl Mecklenburg and Leonard Wheeler.The 2016 winner will be announced during the NFL Honors show on Feb. 4, 2017, the night before the Super Bowl. The Associated Press individual awards, including MVP and Coach of the Year, also are announced during NFL Honors.Last years winner was safety Charles Woodson of the Raiders. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals was the inaugural winner of the award in 2014.Two second-team All-Pros from 2015, Carolina tight end Greg Olsen and Atlanta fullback?Patrick DiMarco, also have been nominated. The other noominees:Arizona Cardinals -- DT?Calais CampbellBuffalo Bills -- DT Kyle WilliamsChicago Bears?-- LB Sam AchoCincinnati Bengals -- WR A.dddddddddddd. 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