Dele Alli sent Spurs on their way, scoring the vital first goal in their 3-0 victory over Champions League challengers Manchester United.
The win sees Tottenham close the gap on first-place Leicester to seven points with five matches remaining. This was after The Foxes saw off a below-par Sunderland earlier, on Sunday afternoon, with Vardy scoring twice to give them a comprehensive 2-0 win. Manchester United on the other hand, are now four points behind fourth-place Manchester City and just one above West Ham who lay in sixth position.
United were on top in the opening exchanges, but few chances were created by either team. Midway through the half though, Eric Lamela squandered a fantastic opportunity for the home side. Christian Eriksen perfectly found the Belgian with a sublime cross, but Lamela could only head wide uncontested from five yards out.
Spurs began to create more chances, and a little while later Kyle Walker burst down the right wing. He found himself in space, closing in on David De Gea’s goal, but an excellent challenge by Timothy Fosu-mensah prevented a potentially damaging attack amounting to anything serious.
The visitor’s first decent chance fell to Anthony Martial, and by fell to, we really mean he created it all himself magnificently. The Frenchman managed to beat three defenders before unleashing a vicious effort on Hugo Lloris’ goal. It was hit with power, but accuracy eluded the youngster as the shot went straight at Lloris, who saved comfortably.
On seventy minutes, United were made to pay as Spurs broke down the left. Eriksen was through but with a defender approaching, didn’t look to have the legs to go all the way. He intelligently managed to square the ball to an on-rushing Dele Alli who took his shot first time. De Gea could do nothing but watch the England international’s effort run underneath him from close range, giving Spurs the lead.
The second came shortly after, courtesy of a Lamela free-kick. He delivered an aggressive cross which was met well by Toby Alderweireld, who fled the attention of Daily Blind; finding himself in unforgivable amount of space. His header found the very corner of the net and gave Tottenham a flattering 2-0 lead.
United were caught feeling sorry for themselves, as barely two minutes after, Rose fired a low cross into the box. It was met by Lamela who atoned for his previous miss by sliding it into the bottom left corner of the goal. Again, De Gea could do little about it as his team conceded three goals in just six minutes.
Although the hosts deserved the win, creating far more on the day, the 3-0 score line flattered them. It was an enthralling encounter played at an immense pace throughout. Alli’s breakthrough was definitely the turning point in a match that was very tight up until then.
The 19-year-old continues to have a remarkable debut season in the Premier League, and he was wearing blue Adidas Ace 16 PureControls for the game on Sunday.
