Penalty Fiasco: “Pochettino will be very disappointed” — Dele Alli blasts Chelsea players

Chelsea may have mauled Everton 6-0 at the Bridge, but their victory comes at the criticism of many due to one specific incident in the game.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton star Dele Alli had a lot to weigh in on during the contentious on-pitch incident that involved Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, labeling their behavior as “selfish.”

The match, which saw Mauricio Pochettino’s side secure all three points at Stamford Bridge through four goals from Cole Palmer and strikes from Jackson and Alfie Gilchrist, was marred by a peculiar altercation between Jackson and Madueke following a penalty award to Chelsea in the second half.

The disagreement erupted as both players vied to take the spot-kick, with neither willing to yield even after Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher intervened, handing the ball to designated penalty-taker Palmer.

Alli, offering his perspective on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, criticized Jackson and Madueke for their actions, highlighting their failure to defer to Palmer during a crucial penalty situation against Manchester United.

“I think Pochettino will be really disappointed about it,” remarked Alli.

“The big thing about him is he cares so much about players as people as well and for them [Jackson and Madueke] to do that is kind of selfish.”

While acknowledging the ambition of players to contribute to the scoresheet, Alli emphasized the importance of adhering to team protocols, urging those not designated as penalty-takers to step aside.

“It’s good that players want to score – but do it during the game. If you are not the taker then just step away from the ball,” he asserted.

Reflecting on the incident’s implications, Alli suggested that the young players involved would glean valuable lessons from the episode, underscoring Pochettino’s discontent.

“I didn’t see them doing it in the last minute against Manchester United when the pressure was on,” Alli observed.

“It’s clear that Mauricio isn’t happy about it. They are young players so they will learn from it.”