Some Tottenham Hotspur fans have debated the individual form of midfielder Dele Alli this season but there’s no debate that when he’s on song he’s a massive player for the club and we know exactly what he can do. Returning to the starting lineup for manager Mauricio Pochettino last night in the EFL Cup third round clash with Watford at MK Dons’ Stadium: MK having recovered from his recent injury, Alli enjoyed a special night.
Turning out on his old pitch as we travelled ‘home’ to his former ground, Poch also gave him the honour of the armband and he led the squad out as captain for the tie.
#THFC: Gazzaniga, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Winks, Wanyama, Sissoko, Dele (C), Lamela, Lucas. @WilliamHill odds ???? https://t.co/QaAVTlrYnP pic.twitter.com/Jt5koLRdwr
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 26, 2018
A personal nod maybe, but Alli didn’t disappoint, scoring our equaliser in the 82nd minute from the penalty spot as we trailed, and then, taking his opportunity when the game went to a penalty shootout.
As the team was announced, a number of fans were delighted to see his name on the list.
dele captain ????
— Tom (@tom_dean25) September 26, 2018
DELE CAPTAIN OMDSS SAUCE
— ً (@MauricioMagic) September 26, 2018
Great to see Poch taking this tournament seriously and great to see Dele captain at his old home
— LP ✈️ (@Verttonghen) September 26, 2018
DELE CAPTAIN ????????????
— Freddie Kaye (@freddie_kaye) September 26, 2018
DELE CAPTAIN????
— Poppy (@thfcpoppy) September 26, 2018
DELE ALLI CAPTAIN ????????????????????
— Waldo The Spur⭕ (@WaldoTheSpur) September 26, 2018
Dele Captain, Love you Poch.
— Harsh Mishra (@SimplyWink) September 26, 2018
Dele as captain, couldn’t be more perfect ❤️
— e (@sebworth) September 26, 2018
Arguably, his performance more than justified the faith that was shown in him by the gaffer and by the fans. The other bonus, depending on where you sit on the fence, was we won whilst giving Harry Kane 90 minutes off.