Watford 0-1 Tottenham
by Samantha Miller at Vicarage Road

SPURS left it late to seal all three points at Vicarage Road on New Year’s Day. Davinson Sanchez headed home Son’s whipped in free kick making it eight Premier League games without defeat. 

Watford had to stay resolute at the back with constant defending to do, clearing everything that came their way for 90 minutes, playing like a team that are trying to avoid relegation.

Spurs’ patience paid off in the end, just as it was looking like the Hornets might rescue a point at home. Watford have only managed six points from 11 games since Ranieri took charge. There have been promising signs beating Everton and Manchester United but the accumulation of defeats could prove costly come the end of season. 

Ranieri said: “Always we were very solid in defence. They made a lot of crosses, but with my taller players, we were very calm.”

Watford’s backline were able to keep both Harry Kane and Son quiet. Daniel Bachhman kept out Kane’s chance with a heroic save. Watford intercepted some of Spurs’ attacking play but couldn’t capitalise down the other end of the pitch, with Josh King and Emmanuel Dennis looking a threat. Spurs lacked creativity but Watford were unable to take advantage. 

Tottenham will be pleased with the three points as they look to try and break into the top four. Antonio said: “They were defensively organised. I think we controlled the game with a lot of possession but we could do better. We have players that with space are very good.”