The home side ran out 2-0 victors with goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane enough take care of a profligate Watford side, despite the ‘Hornets’ creating the better chances. In truth it was one for the purists in a game that had a decidedly end-of-season feel to it. Watford could probably do with a couple more points to avoid being dragged into the relegation conversation on the final day while Tottenham have now all but secured fourth place with a win.
Not much had happened in the game before the opening goal, Will Hughes’ long range effort after ten seconds probably the most notable opening. But Alli was in the right place at the right time to capitalise on a defensive blunder. Karnezis in goal spilled a cross at the feet of Christian Eriksen who squared to the Englishman to tap home.
After this the remaining 25 minutes of the first half took on a familiar pattern - Watford controlling but missing chances. Andre Gray was the most guilty as he was played through before firing straight at Lloris. The French goalkeeper was also alert for a bit of trademark sweeper keeping to stop Doucoure in his tracks when through.
The signs were promising for Watford but they shot themselves in the foot immediately after the restart. Another square ball in the box after the defender had slipped was duly converted by Kane at short range and the task had just doubled in size. On Kane’s part, it brings him to within four of Mo Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.
30 April 2018
Content with their two goal lead, Tottenham took the pace out of the game immediately, and it was a slow affair from here on in. Richarlison missed another gilt-edged chance from underneath the crossbar while Kane was denied the chance to double his tally by the linesman.
There was time for the return of Gerard Deulofeu to the Watford team who could inject some flair into their run-in, but it’s Tottenham who go home with the three points on the night. They have re-established a five point lead over Chelsea and look all but sure of the Champions League next season.
30 April 2018