‘Massive disappointment’ – Sutton crucifies Tottenham star, blames him for terrible club run

Chris Sutton has criticised Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli and believes his poor form is the main reason why the team are struggling in the Premier League this season.

The 21-year-old has endured a frustrating start to the season and has been heavily criticised by fans and pundits alike, for a number of underwhelming performances.

While Alli has shown glimpses of his best quality in the Champions League, his Premier League form has been very disappointing.

Since the win over Real Madrid in the Champions League last month – the last time Alli scored for Spurs – Mauricio Pochettino’s side have only won three of their eight league matches.

Spurs are now 21 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table after losing 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening – and Sutton believes Alli is the biggest reason why the team are under performing.

“Dele Alli this season has been a massive disappointment. I don’t think he’s turned up, especially in the league,” said Sutton on BBC Sports’ MOTD2 Extra.

“He’s had all this kerfuffle about changing agents – this, that and the other – I don’t know whether that’s affected him, he needs to go get back to what he does best and that is performing on the pitch.

“I think that’s the biggest difference why Spurs aren’t performing – they are a bit of a one-man team.”

Sutton feels Spurs have relied too much on striker Harry Kane, who has scored 12 of their 29 Premier League goals this season.

Alli has scored three goals and delivered three assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season and Sutton believes the England international needs to start contributing more to the team.

Tottenham will be looking to get back to winning ways when they face Sean Dyche’s Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. The two sides are separated by just one point in the Premier League table.

In other Tottenham news, here are the Spurs player ratings for the game against Manchester City.

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