LONDON, Jan 24 — Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli credited “instinct” after scoring a sensational volley in his side's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace in the Premier League yesterday.

With the score 1-1 in the 84th minute, Alli controlled a flick from team-mate Christian Eriksen, lifted the ball over an advancing defender and slammed a volley into the bottom-left corner from outside the box.

“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!”

It was Alli's sixth goal of the season and will serve to further enhance the reputation of a player who has gone from third-tier football with Milton Keynes Dons to Premier League match-winner in just half a year.

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's strike, along with goals from Harry Kane and Nacer Chadli, gave Tottenham a victory that enabled them to tighten their grip on the fourth and final Champions League place. — AFP