Spurs tighten grip on place in Premier League’s top four
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino cut a contented figure after his side strengthened their grip on a place in the Premier Leagues top four by overcoming a sprightly Watford.
A goal in each half from Dele Alli and Harry Kane restored a five-point cushion between Spurs in fourth and fifth-placed Chelsea, with three games remaining, as the hunt for Champions League qualification threatened to intensify.
“It was a good night for us. It was important to get the three points as it allows us to be in a good position,” said Pochettino. “It was a must-win game and so important for us. Three games to go I think we are in a good position.”
Pochettino also showered praise on Kane, who took his Premier League tally to 27 – four behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the golden boot – and now has 105 strikes in 150 top-flight matches – only Alan Shearer netted more in that timeframe.
“What more can I say? The numbers talk for him,” added the Argentinian about his frontman, who set himself the target of going one better than last term and reaching the 30-goal target by the end of the campaign.
Watford, meanwhile, are winless in seven matches and have not secured victory on the road in 12 fixtures across all competitions, scoring just twice in that time, but proved truculent opponents.
“We conceded cheaply in our box and werent able to score goals and if you dont control the boxes it is difficult to win games,” said Watford manager Javi Gracia, whose side remain 13th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Tottenhams 16th-minute opener was a gift as Watford goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis made a hash of collecting Kieran Trippiers cross, which allowed Christian Eriksen to sweep the ball into the path of Alli, who applied the necessary finish.
But Watford should have levelled 10 minutes later as a slack Eric Dier pass allowed Etienne Capoue to release goal-shy striker Andre Gray, only for his tame shot to be repelled by Hugo Lloris.
The Hornets continued to hint at a recovery and Lloris was forced to clutch a punchy drive from Abdoulaye Doucoure following a clever Will Hughes pass, before beating away Richarlisons left-footed shot.
Tottenham, however, doubled their lead three minutes after the restart as Kane used the pace on the ball from Trippiers cut-back to side-foot beyond Karnezis – his first goal in five matches at Wembley.
Centre-half Jan Vertonghen thumped the post with a header, with Kane failing to sort his feet out quickly enough to net the rebound, while at the other end Richarlison hooked over inexplicably from close range.
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