Dizzy spell for Dele gives Tottenham cause for concern

Dele Alli was taken off during half-time in Tottenham’s 3-0 victory at Norwich after complaining of feeling dizzy.

Alli scored his seventh goal of an impressive Barlcays Premier League campaign with just 96 seconds gone before winning a penalty – which Harry Kane duly converted – on the half-hour mark.

But the 20-year-old was replaced by Nacer Chadli at the interval after falling ill moments before the second half.

“At half-time he felt unwell and was a little bit dizzy so we took the decision on the advice of the doctor to make the change,” Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

“It was in the last few minutes before we left the changing room so we quickly needed to make a change, but now he is okay.

“We will need to assess him tomorrow, but I cannot guess for the future – only that it is important that he is much better.”

Alli followed up his wonder goal at Crystal Palace by scoring inside two minutes at Carrow Road when he pounced on Christian Eriksen’s effort which had been well-saved by Declan Rudd. Kane then scored from the penalty spot before he added a third in stoppage time. It put the gloss on a fine victory for Tottenham – who now move above rivals Arsenal on goal difference – into third.

“It was fantastic from the beginning,” added Pochetinno, whose side – unbeaten away from home since the opening day of the season – remain five points adrift of leaders Leicester.

“Our plan was to try to make it difficult for Norwich. It always helps when you score an early goal and the team showed a lot of maturity and consistency. I felt very proud.”

Norwich, who suffered their fourth league defeat in as many matches, are just two points above the relegation zone. And manager Alex Neil was seething with referee Kevin Friend’s performance.

“I thought the penalty was as soft as I’ve seen,” Neil said. “Dele Alli had a shot at goal, the keeper gathers the ball, the phase of play is over and nobody appeals for a penalty. Nobody was expecting a penalty and all of a sudden he points to the spot.

“I think Sebastien Bassong comes in – the two of them come together – and the fact that he sees that as a penalty for us was really disappointing.”

Neil was also aggrieved that his side were not awarded a spot-kick at the end of the first half when Steven Naismith appeared to be bundled over by Kevin Wimmer. The Scot also claimed Martin Olssen was fouled in the build-up to Kane’s second goal.

The Canaries boss said he spoke to Friend after the game but claimed he offered a sarcastic reply.

“Kevin’s response was ‘yes it was my fault, it was my fault you’ve lost the game’, which isn’t the case, I just felt we didn’t get the fair decisions,” Neil added.

“It was sarcastic, yes. I am having a go at him because I am not happy about what has happened in the game.

“If you get two real contentious decisions against you, you are going to be frustrated and want to know a reason why. I felt there were a lot of 50-50 decisions we didn’t get today.”

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