Kieran Trippier claimed his first Tottenham goal in a hard fought 1-0 win over Watford at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
The hosts had held Watford in a good position, but failed to make a breakthrough in the first-half. Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele and Ben Davies had chances, but all ultimately failed to hit the target. Welshman Davies was one of the most instrumental players during the early stages, getting forward from his position at left-back and creating views on goal.
Watford remained without a shot on target for almost all of the game. Mauricio Pochettino’s men were consistently pushing the Hornets backward, but did not get their deserved breakthrough until much later.
Dele Alli provided the wonderful cross with the outside of his boot that enabled Trippier to tap the ball into the back of the net in the 64th minute.
The Lilywhitesnow break into the top two of the Premier League behind leaders Leicester City, and a point in front of Manchester City.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Who has earned the most points overall in the Championship? [INFOGRAPHIC]
The Redmen TV discuss Liverpool’s botched ticketing scheme [WATCH]
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris – 6: Did not have too much to do, as Watford failed to hit the target for most of the match.
Kieran Trippier – 8.5: Consistent coming forward down the right, delivering some dangerous balls. Eventually got his first Spurs goal in the second-half.
Toby Alderweireld – 6.5: Pretty solid at the back, considering Jan Vertonghen is still out.
Kevin Wimmer – 6.5: A good showing as the 23-year-old covers Vertonghen’s absence.
Ben Davies – 8: Davies was on fire during the first-half, taking three shots in quick succession. There was a slight mix up with Lloris at the other end, but did very well getting forward.
Mousa Dembele – 6.5: Played well and had a shot, but took it with his unfavoured right foot.
Kieran Dier – 6: Did not take the spotlight but performed all the necessary duties.
Nacer Chadli – 6: Satisfactory performance on his return to the starting lineup,, but was later replaced by Alli who he was essentially filling-in for.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5: His shot was just wide after a deflection late on in the match.
Erik Lamela – 6: Substituted around the 72 minute mark for Son Hueng-min. Had one or two shots on target.
Harry Kane – 6.5: Had several opportunities, and was key in the build up to the goal. Almost scored at the beginning of the second-half, but his touch was too heavy and he lifted it high over the bar.
Substitutes
Dele Alli – 7: Had an immediate impact after coming on the pitch, delivering the cross with the outside of his boot to provide Trippier a simple tap in.
Son Heung-min – 6: Was effective coming off the bench. Had a solid shot on target saved by Gomes.
Tom Carroll – N/A: Not on pitch long enough.
[interaction id=”56b6bf0b8b03d1a9472f9615″]
Watford
Heurehlo Gomes – 7: Produced some clever saves and was easily Watford’s best player of the game. A bit clumsy in the second-half.
Allan Nyom – 6: The Watford defence did well to keep Tottenham out for as long as they did.
Miguel Britos – 6: Struggled after a collision early in the second-half and was eventually substituted.
Craig Cathcart – 6: Also did his best to keep the hosts at bay, but eventually succumbed to the pressure.
Nathan Ake – 5.5: Most of the Watford side was quiet, especially going forward.
Mario Suarez – 5: Subbed at halftime for Troy Deeney
Ben Watson – 5.5: Watford were pushed around for the whole game and were rarely on the offensive.
Etienne Capoue – 6: Played some beautiful football at some points, including the build-up to Ighalo’s offside call.
Jose Manuel Jurado – 5: Was rolling around in the final stages of the match when he needed to get on with it to help his team.
Almen Abdi – 5: Replaced at halftime.
Odion Ighalo – 6:Was very close to giving Watford a breakthrough, but was called offside. It was a very tight call.
Substitutes
Troy Deeney – 6: Effective since coming on after the break. Provided some presence when attacking for Watford.
Valon Behrami – 5.5: The Hornets did make it difficult at points, but did not do much to aid their own cause.
Sebastian Prodl – 5.5: A slight hiccup after coming on for Britos.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
