Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Watford
It was dramatic, it was late, it was somewhat controversial. In fact, it was very Premier League!
However, the upshot of it all is that this result – while good for the basement battlers – has not helped either club nor eased the pressure off a Spurs side which could hardly afford another sting against the Hornets.
Indeed, but for a late VAR-involved equaliser, it would have been much worse for the hosts on what became a tense afternoon as the new White Hart Lane witnessed more Premier League 2019 highlights.
Highlights of the game
There were only four minutes of normal time remaining when visiting goalkeeper Ben Foster flapped at a cross which Dele Alli controlled with his shoulder before turning the ball into the net.
The video assistant referee reviewed the goal and decided it was correctly awarded. The big screen, however, indicated that the decision was “no goal.” After a spell of confusion, the goal stood.
Until that point, the SBOBET Premier League 2019 betting odds looked like they going to be completely defied as Watford held firm and Spurs became more desperate and looked like they could slip to a fifth defeat in six games.
Spurs had suffered a pre-match blow with the news that Christian Eriksen, who suffered a dead leg on international duty, was not fit to play. He joined goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is out until the New Year, on the sidelines.
Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon, back in full training, were not considered ready to be involved, either.
Watford were without centre-back Sebastian Prodl, Etienne Capoue, Isaac Success, and skipper Troy Deeney. They also suffered another blow as Danny Welbeck sustained an early hamstring injury and had to leave the pitch.
Yet their spirit was unquestionable and they took the lead after just six minutes when Abdoulaye Doucoure swept home Daryl Janmaat’s cross to secure a dream start.
They also had a strong penalty appeal turned down by referee Chris Kavanagh — and VAR — when Jan Vertonghen brought down Gerard Deulofeu.
Despite dominating possession, Spurs – who have lost 17 times in 2019 in the league, more than any other Premier League side – were being frustrated and only created half-chances.
Mauricio Pochettino – upon whom there has been so much focus – acted at the break, introducing Son Heung-min as Spurs abandoned a wing-back formation, and the South Korean was immediately influential.
Within four minutes, he had almost levelled as he ran onto Alli’s pass before blasting a shot off the crossbar. But that was as close as they got as Watford ensured Spurs’ goal lived a charmed life on the counter-attack.
The stroke of fortune Spurs craved finally arrived when Alli pounced.
Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their arms before scoring – even accidentally – under the new laws. It was decided, however, that the goal should stand with the marginal call deeming the ball had come off his shoulder.
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores was left to rue what might have been and also felt the goal should have been disallowed for a Harry Kane shove on Christian Kabasele in the build-up.
It was not to be, but their point was a good one.
How Watford enjoy pitting their wits against north London’s finest.
Key statistics
Spurs have won just three of their last 12 Premier League games, keeping just one clean sheet.
Alli has scored five Premier League goals against Watford for Spurs, tied for the most he’s scored against any other club (he also five against Chelsea and Southampton).
Tottenham conceded in the opening 10 minutes of consecutive Premier League games for the first time since November 2014, when they did so against Stoke City and Hull City.
Watford have only beaten Spurs once in 13 Premier League meetings. That was a 2-1 success last season at Vicarage Road (drawn four, lost eight).
Spurs won their first four matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions, but they have been victorious in only three of their subsequent nine home fixtures.
They have lost five of their past 34 Premier League meetings against sides starting the day bottom of the table – all five of those defeats have been against teams beginning with ‘W’: West Ham, Wigan, and West Brom three times.
This was Spurs’ first second-half goal in the Premier League since Lucas Moura netted against Manchester City on August 17.
Watford are winless after nine eight league fixtures this season – only in 2006-07 (10 games), 1990-91 (nine) and 1984-85 (nine) have they had a longer wait for their first victory.
Until today, Watford had lost 16 consecutive league away games against established top-six opponents, scoring just nine goals and conceding 53.
What’s next?
Spurs look again for home comforts on Tuesday night when they entertain Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League. They then travel to Liverpool in the Premier League next weekend.
Watford are home to Bournemouth a week today (October 26).
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