England pair Harry Kane and Dele Alli helped Tottenham Hotspur keep up their top-four Premier League challenge, scoring in a 3-1 win against strugglers Aston Villa.
Former Arsenal defender Remi Garde – Aston Villa’s new boss – watched from the stands on Monday as Alli put Tottenham to the sword with Spurs' second goal and ensured the north London club moved into fifth position in the table, just a point off Manchester United.
"It definitely means a lot," said Alli, referring to his first goal for Tottenham at White Hart Lane. "The fans have been great, and the players and staff have helped me settle in. So this is for them.
Dele Alli has played for England's Under-21s and seniors this season
"I've still got a lot to learn and Jan [Vertonghen] is usually one of the first to tell me where I need to improve. It is great to have leaders like that around. It has made it easier to come here and show what I can do."
Alli, who signed for Tottenham in February for an initial fee of £5m from MK Dons, was called up by England boss Roy Hodgson in October for the Euro 2016 qualifying fixtures against Estonia and Lithuania having previously featured for the Under-21s.
And his form ever since has gone from strength-to-strength, prompting praise on Monday night from TV pundits and former Three Lions Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Frank Lampard following his performance against Aston Villa.
Moussa Dembele gave Tottenham an early lead on Monday night on three minutes as he went unchallenged before beating Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Alli doubled Tottenham’s lead from distance just before the break but Villa rallied as Jordan Ayew scored from the edge of the box on 79 minutes to give Garde’s men hope.
The final word came from England international Harry Kane though, who put the result beyond doubt with a third in the final minute.
England are back in action this month, facing Spain in Alicante and France at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 17 November. Tickets for that game are still available, by clicking here.
