Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the campaign went from bad to worse after they were held by Watford 1-1 at home. The draw sees them extend their winless run to three games in all competitions, during which they have conceded 11 goals.
The Lilywhites started this game on the back foot as they were pegged down by an early opener from Watford, scored by Abdoulaye Doucoure. Despite that, they did look threatening going forward and went close to scoring the equaliser. However, the visitors did well to counter that pressure – making it seem more like a cat and mouse chase.
Tottenham were struggling to break apart the Watford defence, notably managing just two shots on target. This is mainly due to some dogged defending from the likes of Christian Kabasele and Craig Dawson. Not to mention, Watford’s second line of press was crucial in nullifying the influence of Spurs midfielders. But, the Hornets were unlucky as a late goal from Dele Alli helped the hosts salvage a point.
Here is how Mauricio Pochettino’s men performed in their draw with Watford this afternoon.
Paulo Gazzaniga 5
Struggled to fill in the shoes of the injured Hugo Lloris as the Argentine was often indecisive and tentative in between the sticks. Had no chance keeping out Doucoure’s opener, however.
Toby Alderweireld 5
An awful defensive display, who was uncharacteristically sloppy in the build-up. Moreover, the Belgian lacked focus and struggled to deal with the Watford attackers throughout the entirety of the game.
Davinson Sanchez 5
Looked wobbly in possession and lacked the confidence. It has been a problem for the Colombian against every other high pressing opponent – something he really needs to address if he wants to become a key component in the Spurs backline. He was deservedly subbed off in the second half.
Jan Vertonghen 5
Vertonghen’s lack of pace and mobility allowed the likes of Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra to run rings around the backline. The veteran centre-back also failed to provide the composure in the build-up and overall, it was a bad idea from Pochettino to employ a three-man backline.
Serge Aurier 4.5
Yet another shoddy display from Serge Aurier, whose awful sense of defensive positioning allowed Doucoure acres of space to run into, on the far side. The Ivorian looked susceptible against his French counterpart throughout the game. Also provided minimal service going forward.
Moussa Sissoko 6
It was a gamble from Pochettino to start with Moussa Sissoko ahead of Tanguy Ndombele. And it was a move that didn’t pay off either as the ex-Newcastle United star struggled to cope with the dynamic combination of Doucoure and Tom Cleverly.
Harry Winks 5
Once again, Harry Winks’ struggles against well-disciplined pressing teams continue. The young midfielder has been exposed a lot of times this season, and this was no exception as his composure on the ball was missing. Winks also failed to offer the security in midfield.
Danny Rose 6
Should have done a lot better keeping tabs on Daryl Janmaat on the left flank. The defender, instead, mistimed his jump, allowing the Dutchman to produce an accurate cross straight towards Doucoure.
Lucas Moura 6
The Brazilian struggled to replace Son Heung-Min in the attack, largely due to his lack of involvement in the proceedings. Credit should be given to the Watford team for utilising the qualities of Nathaniel Cholobah pretty wisely.
Dele Alli 6.5
It certainly wasn’t the best of games for Dele Alli, who once again failed to provide any creative essence in the final third. However, he was fortunate to get the winner as Watford ‘keeper Ben Foster actually failed to clear the ball.
Harry Kane 5.5
Worked hard but got extremely isolated thanks to the attention he got from the Watford defenders as soon as he received the ball. Attempted three shots but none of them was on target.
SUBSTITUTES
Son Heung-Min 7
Made an impact after coming on for Sanchez after the restart. The South Korean international notably hit the crossbar, the closest Spurs were in finding an equaliser aside from the third goal.
Erik Lamela 5.5
Replaced the ineffective Moura in the 63rd minute but didn’t manage to make a telling impact.
Tanguy Ndombele N/A
A late replacement for Winks.
