Final Score: Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Watford
Tottenham were scheduled to host a struggling Watford side on Monday night. The Hornets have not improved much despite replacing manager Marco Silva with Javi Gracia. The Hornets’ barren run extended when they were knocked down yet again by the North Londoners following a dreadful 2-0 defeat at Wembley.
Spurs had the grip on the game from the very beginning but were struggling to penetrate the opponent’s defence. However, they did not have to wait for long as Orestis Karnezis’ howler allowed Christian Eriksen to place the ball for Dele Alli who made no mistake to earn his side an early break.
A mistake from Eric Dier allowed Watford to constitute a counter-attack which, however, was denied well by Hugo Lloris. The first-half ended in a marginal 1-0 lead for the hosts but they took no time to double it when Harry Kane converted a pin-point tripper cut-back to take his Premier League tally to 27 goals, 4 behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Tottenham Player Ratings
Hugo Lloris (8)
Made a few crucial stops, especially of Andre Gray and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s efforts which could have been costly. A well-deserved clean sheet for the veteran Frenchman.
Kieran Trippier (8)
Was excellent going forward and kept on combining with Christian Eriksen down the right flank. Played his part in both the goals and troubled Jose Holebas throughout the game. Struggled at times defensively but it caused no harm to his side as they retained a clean sheet.
Davinson Sanchez (7)
The young Colombian was decent while passing the ball from deep down the backline but had a few nervy moments while tackling and positioning. However, he mostly maintained his composure and delivered another impressive display.
Jan Vertonghen (7.5)
Another towering performance from the Belgian who led the backline with great calmness and experience when the Hornets were pushing for a comeback in the second half.
Ben Davies (6.5)
Was not the best of his outings as he did well defensively but offered little in the attack.
Eric Dier (7)
His mistake could have led to an equaliser had Lloris not saved Gray’s effort. The Englishman was excellent otherwise as he kept control of the midfield and also covered the defensive line when needed.
Mousa Dembele (7.5)
Another steady outing from the Belgian who was clinical while tackling. He won back possession and kept hold of it using his great physical presence and composure. Was replaced by Victor Wanyama.
Christian Eriksen (7.5)
Operated in a wide role but combined well with Trippier and created chances. Assisted Alli for Spurs’ first goal of the game. Was dispossessed on a few occasions but dictated the game with his intelligent game-reading traits.
Dele Alli (8)
Slotted home calmly, capitalising on Karnezis’ mistake to earn his side an early lead. Offered physicality in and around the box and delivered a balanced display before being replaced by Erik Lamela in the closing minutes.
Heung-Min Son (6)
The South Korean has been brilliant all season but had a quiet occasion versus the Hornets and was eventually replaced by Moussa Sissoko with 15 minutes remaining.
Harry Kane (7.5)
Scored one to take his tally to 27 goals, 4 behind of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in the Golden Boot race. His desperation was clearly visible as he kept on shooting wildly to add more to his name but had to settle for one.
Subs
Victor Wanyama (6)
Was booked seconds after his arrival and could not replicate Dembele’s performance.
Moussa Sissoko (6)
Failed to beat the keeper in a one-on-one situation and thrashed his effort over the bar in the closing minutes of the game.
Erik Lamela (N/A)
Was introduced at around the 82nd-minute in place of Dele Alli.