To think Tottenham Hotspur were once being touted as outside contenders for the Premier League title.

Indeed, the last few weeks have been disastrous for Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who are now winless in three and limped their way into a draw against Arsenal. A frustrating game in which Arsenal (almost) countered everything, Spurs looked very fragile going forward.

They couldn’t move with the same intensity and play the free-flowing style they’re known for. There was a missing ingredient in their attack, that of Dele Alli. While Harry Kane might’ve returned to luckily save their day, Alli’s absence was felt in the game.

Spurs always had someone missing in the final third to create something special for them, someone to break behind enemy lines and throw a spanner in the works as Arsenal looked to base their defensive line around Harry Kane's presence.

While Christian Eriksen tried his best,  Heung-Min Son looked a bit lost playing a two-man forward line with Harry Kane. Perhaps the stress of being Spurs’ hero for a long time is catching up to him and a dip in form was always likely considering just how well he was playing prior to the England captain's return.

With that in mind, Alli could’ve added a cutting edge to their attack, with his intelligent movement in the final third and goal-scoring touch being what Spurs missed.

In fact, Alli’s scored five goals so far this season, with all five being in winning efforts(stats via Transfermarkt).

The England international’s tendency to sneak into the box allows team-mates to find him free and create goal-scoring opportunities. His inclusion could’ve allowed Eriksen to pull the strings from deep and give them that runner to torment Granit Xhaka and co.

If Spurs’ toothless attacking showcase proved anything, they need Alli to reignite their attacking flair quickly.