2) Dele Alli wasn’t the big game player that Spurs needed
Manchester United played a very physical game, they allowed at times for Spurs to play the ball around in the middle of the park, but as soon as the Lilywhites entered the final third, United allowed Spurs minimal time on the ball, tackled strong, and dealt with any danger early.
Christian Eriksen and Heung-min Son are not always up for a physical battle, and with Son not posing too much of a threat, he was substituted after an hour. Moussa Sissoko offered that physical presence, but we saw very little of Dele Alli in attacking midfield. With Marcos Rojo having the game of United career in marking Harry Kane out of the game, it was vital that Alli, Eriksen or Son got quality service up to the striker.
Dele Alli didn’t seen up to the physical battle. He failed to get involved and on the ball as much as I would like to see him do so, and didn’t create a single chance, didn’t win a single tackle, and didn’t win a single aerial duel. It was a poor performance from the Englishman, and as one of Spurs’ key players, he needs to turn up in the big matches in Spurs are to compete with the big boys this season.
