Alli return helps Tottenham hold off Fulham, Everton move into top four

LONDON: Dele Alli excelled in his first Premier League appearance in the starting line-up this season as Tottenham beat Fulham, while Everton jumped to the top four after also winning 1-0 at West Brom.

Alli was not counted as a scorer after his shot hit Tosin Adarabioyo for his own goal at Craven Cottage.

Yet his presence clearly makes a difference over Spurs who have a habit of dropping points while in a good position to win this season.

Fulham were one of four teams to bounce back from a 1-0 deficit to tie Mourinho’s men 1-1 in the previous action.

Scott Parker ‘s squad saw Josh Maja’s goal disallowed by Mario Lemina, but Tottenham managed to close the gap with the top four to four points.

“In the end it was no different from our previous matches and we managed to score late in the game.

“Against Palace, Wolves, Newcastle, we were missed at the last minute and dropped points. Tonight was different, we got it,” Mourinho said.