Football: Stunning Alli goal helps Spurs win 3-1 at Palace

Alli (right) celebrates scoring Spurs' second goal. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (REUTERS/AFP) - Tottenham Hotspur teenager Dele Alli scored a contender for goal of the season when he lifted the ball over his head and volleyed home as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 84th minute goal, watched by England manager Roy Hodgson, put Spurs in front for the first time after Harry Kane had equalised with a thundering a header past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

Tottenham substitute Nacer Chadli added a third with a long-range strike in stoppage time.

Palace, who had not scored in their five previous league matches, finally got on the scoresheet when Spurs' Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen diverted a cross past his own keeper Hugo Lloris to give the hosts the lead on the half-hour.

Palace hit the bar twice in five seconds through Scott Dann and Mile Jedinak in the second half before Alli did the same in the closing minutes after scoring with his sensational strike.

Palace manager Alan Pardew paid tribute to Alli, saying: "It was horrible to watch, and I don't often say that about a beautiful goal.

"As soon as he flicked the ball over his head, I feared the worst. It was a great moment for him and he is a great talent."

Alli's three-touch wonder goal drew admiration from around the world, with former Tottenham star Gareth Bale, now of Real Madrid, tweeting: "What a goal that is!"

Former Spurs playmaker Glenn Hoddle, renowned for spectacular goals during his playing career, also took to Twitter, describing Alli's goal as a "piece of art".

Alli credited "instinct" for the volley.

"It was natural instinct. It was a great ball and I just took a touch and hit it," said the 19-year-old England international, who recently signed a new five-year contract.

"It all came naturally. I didn't have time to think. I didn't know what to do in my celebration!"

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