Tottenham left it late to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Watford, with Davinson Sanchez scoring a 96th-minute header.
Tottenham Hotspur kickstarted their 2022 in a positive manner, securing a 1-0 win over Watford. The three points helped them close the gap to fourth-placed Arsenal to just two points, with the Lilywhites also having two games in hand.
As the scoreline suggests, though, it was a hard-fought victory for a Spurs team that endured a modest start to the game. They struggled to create too many clear cut goalscoring opportunities but eventually settled in after the first quarter of the game. Although the visitors were unable to find the target in the first half, they managed to work Daniel Bachmann a few times.
In the second half, Tottenham started off quite well, creating a couple of early opportunities. However, they were denied by Bachmann, who looked in inspiring touch in the Watford goal. The Hornets themselves managed to create an excellent goalscoring chance in the second half but were brilliantly denied by Hugo Lloris.
Watford’s resolute defensive approach was enough to keep Spurs shackled for the most part of the game, up until the 96th minute when Davinson Sanchez latched on from Son Heung-Min’s cross to score a late winner. It was a heartbreaking moment for the hosts, who almost conceded a second soon after the Sanchez winner. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank the Tottenham Hotspur players in their narrow win over Watford this weekend.
Hugo Lloris: 8/10
This Lloris save ?? pic.twitter.com/eDWoBGkK8o
— Joe (@JoeGftbl) January 1, 2022
Hugo Lloris made one of the saves of the season when he kept out Joshua King’s goalbound effort early on in the second half. He was involved in the incident with Joao Pedro that led to a VAR call that concurred with the referee’s decision of no penalty. It was a solid performance overall from the goalkeeper, who remains one of the pillars of the Tottenham team.
Davinson Sanchez: 8/10
It was yet another impressive display from Davinson Sanchez. He barely looked troubled when Watford did push men forward on the counter. His thumping header late on in the proceedings won the game for Spurs, offering them valuable three points.
Eric Dier: 7/10
Eric Dier produced a better performance than he did in the last game against Southampton. He avoided making any grave defensive errors and offered good protection to Lloris in goal. Deserves some credit for keeping Emmanuel Dennis quiet for the large parts of the game.
Ben Davies: 7/10
Ben Davies remained resolute at the back as well, helping out Dier and Sanchez defensively. The left-back was involved in the attacking side of things, too, making a few marauding runs forward to compliment Sergio Reguilon out wide.
Emerson Royal: 6/10
It was not the best of performances from Emerson Royal. The right wing-back tried to provide support from the flanks but lacked accuracy and incision with his crosses into the box. Moreover, the Brazilian was caught dawdling in possession, at times, notably conceding the turnover that led to King’s goalbound effort. But to his fortunes, the attempt was saved brilliantly by Lloris.
Oliver Skipp: 7/10
Oliver Skipp’s most notable involvement was when he won the ball for Harry Kane in the final third leading to a chance. The young midfielder also offered a lot of thrust and energy in the middle of the park. But he does have room to grow further, especially in terms of his creative prowess in midfield.
Oliver Skipp is a wonderful footballer.
— The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) January 1, 2022
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 6.5/10
There was no shortage of energy and vigour from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in his performance against Watford. But Tottenham should certainly go after a more creative midfield partner who can better complement the Dane’s exceptional ability to hurry and hassle the opposition players.
Sergio Reguilon: 6/10
Sergio Reguilon was a constant presence on the far side for Tottenham. He notably forced Bachmann into an excellent save but lacked the end product with his crosses, thus leading to yet another underwhelming effort. The Spaniard must improve his performances if he is to retain his role as a guaranteed starter.
Lucas Moura: 6.5/10
Lucas Moura offered a lot of work rate, as usual, trying his best to make things happen in the final third. He was fairly quiet in the first half but was the architect behind an excellent goalscoring opportunity for Son Heung-Min in the second half. But the Brazilian was clearly not at his usual best, though he has certainly improved by a country-mile under the leadership of Antonio Conte.
Son Heung-Min: 7.5/10
Son Heung-Min was a bit wasteful in front of goal, missing a couple of golden opportunities. However, it is fair to point out that both his attempts were saved by Bachmann. What the South Korean international lacked in precision, he made up for it with his ability to create chances in the final third. He was notably the architect of the late cross that led to Sanchez’s winner.
Davinson Sánchez'den gelen golle Tottenham öne geçti! #PremierLeague #SSporttaPL #WATTOT @ermanyasar & #İbrahimAltınsay pic.twitter.com/84N9pQEXw9
— S Sport (@ssporttr) January 1, 2022
Harry Kane: 7.5/10
Harry Kane looked sharp, as one would expect from the player who had scored three goals in his last three matches. While the Englishman couldn’t quite find the back of the net on this occasion, his overall work ethic was brilliant. The striker may have done a little better with some of his chances, but he is clearly improving and may soon reach his peak.
Substitutes
Harry Winks: 6.5/10
Harry Winks replaced Skipp around the 70th-minute mark in order to add more energy and stability in the middle of the park. The midfielder also added some thrust with his driving runs forward.
Giovani Lo Celso: N/A
It was a welcome sight to see Giovani Lo Celso back in action as the playmaker replaced Reguilon during the final phase of the game. However, the Argentine didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Bryan Gil: N/A
A late replacement for Lucas. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Spurs have to sell Royal. Hopeless in defense, gives the ball away, cannot tackle and is atrocious in attack where he either slows down the attack or crosses hopelessly, usually a looper to the head of a defender. Doherty is actually a better player, though he also leaves much to be desired. Play Japhet there if they cannot bring in a decent player.