Tottenham fans gave Dele Alli a hero’s welcome back in north London on Monday night, with club captain Hugo Lloris ensuring he made the most of an emotional moment.
On the bench for Everton’s 5-0 defeat in the Premier League, the midfielder eventually got in the pitch with Spurs having well and truly won the game.
Perhaps aided by the home fans’ contentment, Dele was warmly received when warming up during the half-time break before being substituted on with the scoring complete.
As he prepared to come on, the player, who spent seven years at Tottenham while playing over 250 times, was treated to a rousing rendition of the ‘We’ve Got Alli’ chant previously sung by the Spurs supporters.
At full-time, Dele was again given a standing ovation as he applauded the home end before his former captain, Lloris, embraced him. The goalkeeper then brought Dele towards the fans to ensure he was able to fully take in the moment.
🎶 I just don't think you understand 💙 pic.twitter.com/zWzqlKYTw3
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 7, 2022
Ultimately, it was not a good night for the former England international as his Everton team were out of the match in the first-half and were left teetering over the relegation zone.
With four of his five Toffees appearances coming off the bench, Frank Lampard has been unable to get the best out of his January signing.
The manager said before the game: “With Dele and the other players I try to have a relationship where I pre-empt that at times and speak with them regularly. So those conversations are always open.
What a standing ovation! Dele Alli was to made to feel welcome upon his return to Tottenham 👏🤍 pic.twitter.com/UqUFyjzrO3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 8, 2022
“If players aren't playing there is a reason for it and I would much rather they know and they can find a way of getting themselves into the team. That happens on the training ground and how you train and behave every day.
“Since Dele has been here I cannot question that and some of it will be working with myself and working on things he can improve on to be the player we want him to be.
“He has got huge talent, his attitude has been great, he has been available for four games and he has come on in all of those and made an impact. His time will absolutely come to start games.”
