Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his side's persistence Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his side's persistence

Mauricio Pochettino admitted he has been surprised by Dele Alli's amazing progress after his wonder goal inspired Tottenham to victory at Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old was playing in League One with MK Dons this time last year, before joining up with the Spurs squad in the summer.

He has since established himself as a first-team regular, scored on his first start for England and netted six times in the Premier League, including a superb individual effort in the 3-1 win over Palace.

"It was a fantastic goal; it shows his quality and the moment he is in," Spurs boss Pochettino told Sky Sports.

"You expect players you sign to be able, professional and good quality, but I cannot lie, I think he has surprised everyone with the way he has played and his maturity.

Watch the Soccer Saturday panel's reaction to Alli's goal Watch the Soccer Saturday panel's reaction to Alli's goal

"We knew he was a player with unbelievable potential but I think today he showed unbelievable quality and maturity, it is great to see him play and keep his feet on the ground as well."

Spurs had trailed at Selhurst Park to Jan Vertonghen's first-half own goal, but equalised through Harry Kane.

Dele Alli has been in fantastic form for Spurs this season

Alli and Nacer Chadli then scored brilliant goals to secure victory and cement Spurs' place in the top four on a day when fifth-placed Manchester United lost at home.

"It is difficult to play here," said Pochettino. "We were better in the first half and at 1-0 down in the second half was difficult because Palace played very deep, but our mentality in the way we played and our fight was fantastic and for that we deserved the result.

"The table is not important now. It's important to keep working hard and trying to win games, this is important and we will see at the end of the season."