Pochettino hails Alli after ‘massive’ win for Spurs at Chelsea

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said Dele Alli is a “great talent” and he never had any doubts about his quality after the midfielder’s match-winning performance in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea

The England man has been widely criticised for his performances for club and country in recent weeks.

But he scored a sublime first goal to put Spurs 2-1 up at Stanford Bridge and added a scrappy second to seal a first Tottenham win at Stamford Bridge in 28 years.

“Young players need room to breath,” Pochettino said. “There’s pressure on their shoulders – but he has nothing to show that to me or Tottenham. It’s more about the expectation being so high.

“He’s a great talent and I have no doubts about him.”

Pochettino was also understandably thrilled with the comeback win, which ended a run of 27 matches without a success at Stamford Bridge and put Spurs eight points clear of Chelsea in the race for a Champions League place.

“After 28 years it is important to win,” Pochettino added. “It’s a happy day for everyone – fans, players – and we feel very proud.

“It’s a massive three points. The players deserve praise because we showed character at 1-0 down. It’s a day to feel very proud.”