Both managers defend Alli after diving controversy

– Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino leapt to the defence of Dele Alli (right) after the midfielder was once again accused of diving in his side’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Alli left the pitch to jeers following the win secured by Harry Kane’s 89th-minute header after going to ground easily under challenges from Patrick van Aanholt and Wayne Hennessey.

But Pochettino defended his player and claimed Alli is an easy target for opposition fans.

“We need to stop saying too much about him to stop helping people, the fans, creating this reputation,” said the Argentine.

“He’s so competitive and played very well today but Dele is an easy target.

“Dele is such a special kid. He’s going to show his quality. He won’t worry what people are saying about him.”

Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who handed Alli his England debut in 2015, also defended the player.

“The way our defenders defended the situation, he had to go down to avoid them,” said Hodgson.

“I don’t think he was looking for a penalty. I’d advise Patrick not to square up to Dele Alli. My money would be on Dele Alli in that situation.”

Tottenham’s win, combined with Chelsea’s defeat at Manchester United moved Pochettino’s side back into the top four despite a less than convincing performance.

But they were once again bailed out by Kane, whose header slipped through Hennessey’s grasp for his 35th goal of the season.

Pochettino also warned rightback Serge Aurier he can expect additional work on the training ground after being penalised three times for a foul throw.

“I said to him: ‘You are going to get me sacked. It looks like we are so bad we don’t even practice throw-ins’.” – AFP