ALLI LANDS TIMELY KO!
CARABAO CUP Dele dishes up winner SAMPSON’S JOY OF SIX SANTO’S FRUSTRATION
Wigan (0) ................... 1 Elite League: Northampton (0) ..... 0 Accrington (0) ........... 3 M’boro U21 (1) ........ 2 Bury (0) ...................... 0 Hibernian (2) .............. 3 Rochdale (3) ............ 4 Livingston (2) .......... 2 Arsenal v Doncaster (7.45pm) ........................... Chelsea v Nottm Forest (7.45pm) ...................... Everton v Sunderland (7.45pm) ......................... Man Utd v Burton (8pm) ..................................... West Brom v Man City (8pm) .............................
Betfred Scottish Cup quarter-final: DELE ALLI silenced his snipers to end another potential night of frustration for Spurs.
Alli’s early season form has come under scrutiny after a string of below-par displays.
And the Spurs supporters were showing signs of getting on his back as he struggled once more against Barnsley.
But Alli was on hand to net the 65th-minute breakthrough – and he immediately cupped his ears as he wheeled away in celebration.
And how Spurs needed the England man to step up.
Tottenham have not won a trophy since 2008 but Mauricio Pochettino is craving silverware, even the though he made it clear this competition was not one he was targeting.
Hoodoo
The Premier League and Champions League might be his priority but they were struggling here even though they named a strong starting line-up.
Eight internationals were in the starting line-up with the added insurance of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen on the bench if needed.
Perhaps it was Pochettino’s attempts to help his players get used to their temporary new home. After three failed attempts to break their duck in the league, this was a chance to prove there really was no domestic hoodoo.
Alli was among the surprise starters and he was revelling in the early space he was afforded. It was his break which led to the corner which saw debutant Juan Foyth head just wide early on when it looked easier to score.
And before long, just like the stalemate with Swansea on Saturday, Spurs were finding themselves having to break down another brick wall in Barnsley’s back four.
It was just not running for the home side, who dominated without really forcing keeper Adam Davies into a real save.
Mousa Dembele shot tamely at Davies before Llorente missed a golden chance to open his and Spurs’ account after 26 minutes.
The Spanish striker will still be wondering how he failed to mark his first start with the breakthrough.
Llorente found himself free in yards of space but got it wrong as he headed Kieran Tripper’s corner over the crossbar from close-range. It was a chance he gobbled up during his spell with old club Swansea.
Barnsley were content to sit it and frustrate. When they did break out, only a fine covering tackle from Jan Vertonghen halted Harvey Barnes in his tracks.
Joe Williams then headed Barnes’ wide just before the break to remind Tottenham they still stood more than a fighting chance in a one-sided cup tie.
Barnsley nearly struck at the start of the second half but striker Ike Ugbo was foiled by Michel Vorm’s fine save.