Dele facing ban for run-in
League title with victory over Manchester United on Sunday. But when asked whether the title race was all over, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said: ‘No, there’s seven points gap with three games, it’s very difficult but we need to believe, fight and hope Leicester drop points. ‘It’s important to keep fighting for the title.’ Meanwhile, Alli could be banned for Tottenham’s run-in after appearing to throw an off the ball punch at Yacob. The incident, captured by TV cameras, took place in the first half inside the Spurs penalty area. Footage appeared to show Alli aim a punch into the West Bromwich Albion midfielder’s midriff. Referee Mike Jones missed the incident but Alli could still face retrospective action. It leaves Alli facing a violent conduct charge, which could see the midfielder issued with a three match suspension — ruling him out of Tottenham’s final games. Jamie Carragher, covering the game in his role as a Sky TV pundit, said: ‘People will try and wind him up because they know he has a bit of a short temper.’ Carragher’s Sky colleague Graeme Souness defended Alli, insisting his fiery character will help him reach the top. ‘It’s just a flick, it’s petulance,’ said Souness. ‘He’s not going to hurt anyone doing it. He has got that in him and for him to become a top, top player he needs to retain that.’ Yacob tried to play down the incident after game, saying: ‘I don’t remember. It was nothing.’ But there were claims from the Spurs camp last night that Alli was provoked into retaliation after Yacob showed aggression towards him. And Pochettino said: ‘I heard some comments but I have no time to see the action. So it is difficult to comment. ‘You know sometimes the opponent tries to find him and to provoke him as they know he has a strong character and maybe reacts. But I did not see. I don’t know what happened. We will see on the TV. ‘Dele has a strong character and if you provoke or wind him up….’ Baggies boss Tony Pulis added: ‘No, Claudio didn’t mentioned the punch. Who punched him? I haven’t seen it. ‘I don’t think Yacob complained. He’s a tough lad.’