Spurs came into the game as favourites after winning their last three matches in all competitions since the arrival of new head coach Jose Mourinho.
Manchester United on the other hand had not won any of their last three games in all competitions, and the pressure was mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Marcus Rashford gave Manchester United the lead just six minutes into the game, when he blasted a shot past Paulo Gazzaniga at his near post.
The Red Devils were very dominant in the first 30 minutes of the game, and could have extended their lead.
The hosts were made to pay for their profligacy later on, when Alli’s moment of brilliance brought the North Londoners back into the game.
Rashford scored from the penalty spot shortly after halftime to secure the maximum points for Manchester United.
After the game, Alli admitted the Lilywhites ‘were not hungry enough’ and that was the main reason why they lost.
"It's difficult when you lose to take any positives," the 23-year-old told reporters after the game.
"We know what we had to do. We had to match their energy. We lost the game not by them outplaying us - just attitude. We weren't hungry enough and we were slow to every second ball, losing 50-50s.”
"Maybe it was a little bit of arrogance and overconfidence. We've been playing well.”
"You have to have confidence and arrogance in games like this but have to use it in the right way. We were a bit sloppy but you can't do it in games like this or you'll get punished.”
"We've spent a lot of years together. We have to learn from this. Games like this bring your feet back down.”
"We want to win any game and you want to win for the new manager at his old place."
