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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
JOE KRISHNAN

Dele Alli penalty salvages point as frustrated Tottenham are held by Burnley

Dele Alli's penalty salvaged a point as Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Jose Mourinho made six changes from the midweek penalty shootout defeat to Norwich, with Hugo Lloris returning in goal and Toby Alderweireld back in the defence, with Mourinho naming five centre-backs in his starting line-up.

Spurs started brightly despite their two-hour marathon just two days ago, with Steven Bergwijn, Dele Alli and Erik Lamela combining in a slick team move only for the latter to produce an air-kick at the vital moment.

But Burnley responded after settling into the game and showed their attacking threat, with Wood's thunderous effort only just clearing the bar from 20 yards.

The hosts continued to press forward and nearly took the lead in bizarre circumstances when Jeff Hendrick's overhit delivery from the corner beat everyone but the far post and goal-line technology confirmed the ball hadn't crossed the line.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Having saved from Jack Cork just minutes before, Lloris would have been disappointed with his part in Burnley's opener. Jay Rodriguez struck firmly on the half-volley but it was straight at the Frenchman and Wood mopped up the rebound to put the Clarets ahead.

The impressive 20-year-old Dwight McNeil was proving to be a menace and the youngster's 25-yard effort from a free-kick forced Lloris to use all of the spring in his legs to get across and make a diving catch.

Spurs were desperately lacking a focal point in attack and it proved on a number of occasions when Alli and Lamela crossed paths, with neither able to find the final pass.

Wood could and should have had his second before the break when he bundled James Tarkowski's knockdown wide from close range and it was evident Mourinho had some work to do with his team at the interval.

The Portuguese tactician made a double change for the second half, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lucas Moura on for Skipp and Ndombele and just three minutes later, the switch paid dividends.

Lo Celso fed a pass into Lamela's feet and Ben Mee made a rash challenge to bring down the Argentinian right on the line of 18-yard box - and referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot. Alli, not usually a penalty taker for Spurs, stepped up and coolly slotted into the corner to level the score.

The bold decision from Mourinho appeared to have given Spurs a new lease of life in attack and began to dominate proceedings as the half went on, with Lucas and Lo Celso combining well up front.

Burnley felt like they should have had a penalty when Davinson Sanchez bundled over Wood inside the penalty area but Moss waved away their claims.

Lo Celso came close to finding the winner with a curling effort from 20 yards that went inches past the far post before Lloris denied substitute Matej Vydra late on as Tottenham were forced to settle for a point.

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