Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DELE ROUTE TO RICHES
Spurs midfield star shows the real value of his talents after Shelvey self-destructs for Toon
DANIEL LEVY had better hope Dele Alli does not ask to be paid what he is worth.
Then the Spurs chairman really would have a problem, because Alli is priceless to Tottenham and their aspirations.
Newcastle simply could not contain him, to such an extent that Jonjo Shelvey snapped and was shown a 48th-minute red card for stamping on the England star, the game’s turning point.
That was the cue for Alli and then Ben Davies to seal an all-too comfortable win as the dissent in the Spurs ranks was quickly forgotten.
Ironic that Davies scored the second as he will be seen as Danny Rose’s long-term replacement after the rebel left-back’s complaints about Tottenham’s players not being paid enough.
Even if they do feel hard done by, Spurs did not show it and proved value for money. Alli and
Christian Eriksen were the architects of victory but Shelvey’s stupidity also played a part in Newcastle’s downfall.
It was hard enough for Toon with 11 men, let alone 10, and the only relief for Rafa Benitez will be that the scoreline was not higher.
They look desperately short of players and quality, and Benitez is clearly spoiling for a fight.
In contrast, Tottenham looked assured, were patient and sent a clear message of intent with a measured and mature performance.
Mauricio Pochettino will be particularly happy with debutant Kyle Walkerpeters. The 20-year-old was terrific at left-back, coping and battling with the
hosts’ best player Christian Atsu. But the scoreline and another youngster coming through, should not convince anyone, least of all Levy, that Spurs do not need reinforcements.
If last year’s runners-up are to go one better they must dig deep. Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez and Celta Vigo’s Pape Cheikh Diop are top of their shopping list and the first half showed they need a lift.
It was stale and sterile, Tottenham struggled to get going and Newcastle’s firstday enthusiasm ramped up the atmosphere.
Left-back Paul Dummett hobbled off and was followed by debutant Florian Lejeune – the victim of a brutal challenge by Harry Kane.
Referee Andre Marriner produced a yellow card and it could have been red.
The home fans were further enraged by Alli’s trickery and also Moussa Sissoko on his return to St James’ Park.
Tottenham stepped up a gear after the break but it was Shelvey’s rashness which really changed things.
The player inexplicably trod on the Tottenham midfielder while he was on the ground. It was an obvious red. From there, it was all over. Kane and Eriksen combined after 61 minutes, the Danish midfielder lifted a lovely ball over the top and Alli raced in to slide home.
Nine minutes later, Moussa Dembele,
Alli, Kane and Eriksen were involved in a nice build-up before Davies escaped at the back post to fire home from close range.
Newcastle did go close late on with Atsu hitting the side netting but it was Tottenham who could have scored more.
When Alli was substituted he was roundly booed by the Toon Army. Hardly his fault he was kicked from pillar to post but perhaps there could be no better compliment.