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Watford 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Davinson Sanchez scores late winner for Antonio Conte's side

By Harry PooleBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Premier Leaguecomments1088

Davinson Sanchez scores
Tottenham are unbeaten in eight Premier League games under Antonio Conte

Davinson Sanchez scored a 96th-minute winner as Tottenham continued their push for a Premier League top-four place with a last-gasp victory over struggling Watford at Vicarage Road.

Defender Sanchez headed in from Son Heung-min's cross as Antonio Conte continued his unbeaten league start with Spurs, who climbed to sixth in the table.

Hornets goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann denied Son Heung-min at close range in the second half, after Lloris had produced an equally superb save from Josh King at the other end.

Joao Pedro had a late penalty appeal dismissed after Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris raced out of his goal to deny the forward.

The game was paused in the closing stages because of a medical emergency in the crowd, leading to eight minutes of stoppage time.

Tottenham reduced the gap to fourth-placed Arsenal to two points, having played two games fewer than their north London rivals, after the Gunners lost 2-1 to leaders Manchester City earlier on Saturday.

A club record-equalling sixth consecutive top-flight defeat leaves Watford 17th, two points above the bottom three, having played two games more than Burnley directly below them.

Spurs continue to build momentum under Conte

Watford 0-1 Tottenham: Spurs must improve their final pass - Conte

Conte became the first Tottenham manager to avoid defeat in his first seven league matches in charge amid the frustration of Tuesday's draw with 10-man Southampton - and the extension of that run at Vicarage Road ensured Spurs are firmly in contention for a Champions League place at the start of the year.

It threatened to be another exasperating day for the Italian and his team, as Watford defended resolutely during a first half in which Spurs had 73% possession and 26 touches in the Watford box compared with three for the hosts.

Kane was unable to extend his scoring run to a fourth league match, shooting wide following a first-half defensive error by Imran Louza - while Bachmann was equal to the England striker's attempt shortly after the restart.

Wing-backs Sergio Reguilon and Emerson Royal were unable to deliver quality crosses as several Spurs attacks faltered and Watford looked set to register a first Premier League clean sheet of the season.

Watford continue to fight and will survive - Ranieri

Reports this weekexternal-link claimed Ranieri is already under pressure at Vicarage Road - with this a ninth defeat in 11 games since the Premier League-winning manager succeeded Xisco Munoz in October.

Though substituted at half-time after a below-par first half on Saturday, the fine goalscoring form of Emmanuel Dennis has offered hope for Watford in their fight for survival. It is their shortcomings in defence which threaten to prove fatal.

This disciplined performance, despite defeat, will offer optimism for Ranieri in that regard - before two crucial league games against the bottom two sides, Newcastle and Norwich.

"What a pity, that is football and we continue to fight. We are alive and we will survive," Ranieri told BBC Sport.

"I am very proud, also our fans should be proud because the team fought until the end."

Conte, meanwhile, awaiting a meeting with the club to determine what business can be done in the January transfer window, will undoubtedly be searching for quality reinforcements with Spurs seeking a top-four finish.

The Spurs manager said: "Honestly, when Tottenham put me in charge, I asked for time to make my evaluation about the squad. Now I have and for sure we will have a meeting.

"It is important always to be honest, to understand where we are at in this moment and then I will see. January is not simple, but maybe we will see what happens," he added.

Player of the match

D SánchezDavinson Sánchez

with an average of 7.56

Watford

  1. Squad number26Player nameBachmann
    Average rating

    6.05

  2. Squad number19Player nameSissoko
    Average rating

    5.96

  3. Squad number10Player nameJoão Pedro
    Average rating

    5.52

  4. Squad number7Player nameKing
    Average rating

    5.41

  5. Squad number25Player nameDennis
    Average rating

    5.25

  6. Squad number15Player nameCathcart
    Average rating

    5.22

  7. Squad number5Player nameTroost-Ekong
    Average rating

    5.16

  8. Squad number6Player nameLouza
    Average rating

    5.09

  9. Squad number33Player nameKucka
    Average rating

    5.06

  10. Squad number12Player nameSema
    Average rating

    5.02

  11. Squad number31Player nameSierralta
    Average rating

    5.01

  12. Squad number11Player nameMasina
    Average rating

    4.92

  13. Squad number29Player nameCucho Hernández
    Average rating

    4.76

  14. Squad number8Player nameCleverley
    Average rating

    4.59

Tottenham Hotspur

  1. Squad number6Player nameD Sánchez
    Average rating

    7.56

  2. Squad number1Player nameLloris
    Average rating

    7.40

  3. Squad number7Player nameSon Heung-Min
    Average rating

    7.33

  4. Squad number27Player nameLucas Moura
    Average rating

    6.94

  5. Squad number15Player nameDier
    Average rating

    6.90

  6. Squad number29Player nameSkipp
    Average rating

    6.81

  7. Squad number33Player nameDavies
    Average rating

    6.79

  8. Squad number10Player nameKane
    Average rating

    6.43

  9. Squad number3Player nameReguilón
    Average rating

    6.32

  10. Squad number8Player nameWinks
    Average rating

    5.63

  11. Squad number11Player nameGil
    Average rating

    5.56

  12. Squad number18Player nameLo Celso
    Average rating

    5.37

  13. Squad number12Player nameEmerson Royal
    Average rating

    3.93

  14. Squad number5Player nameHøjbjerg
    Average rating

    3.67

Line-ups

Watford

Formation 4-4-2

  • 26Bachmann
  • 15Cathcart
  • 5Troost-Ekong
  • 31Sierralta
  • 11Masina
  • 33Kucka
  • 6LouzaSubstituted forCleverleyat 90+1'minutes
  • 19Sissoko
  • 12SemaSubstituted forHernándezat 90+10'minutes
  • 7King
  • 25DennisSubstituted forJoão Pedroat 45'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Ngakia
  • 8Cleverley
  • 10João Pedro
  • 16Gosling
  • 17Fletcher
  • 18Tufan
  • 29Hernández
  • 41Angelini
  • 42Morris

Tottenham

Formation 3-4-3

  • 1Lloris
  • 6D Sánchez
  • 15Dier
  • 33Davies
  • 12Emerson Royal
  • 29SkippBooked at 61minsSubstituted forWinksat 70'minutes
  • 5Højbjerg
  • 3ReguilónSubstituted forLo Celsoat 83'minutes
  • 27Lucas MouraSubstituted forGilat 90+1'minutes
  • 10Kane
  • 7Son Heung-Min

Substitutes

  • 2Doherty
  • 8Winks
  • 11Gil
  • 14Rodon
  • 18Lo Celso
  • 20Alli
  • 22Gollini
  • 25Tanganga
  • 28Ndombele
Referee:
Robert Jones
Attendance:
20,391

Match Stats

Home TeamWatfordAway TeamTottenham
Possession
Home26%
Away74%
Shots
Home6
Away21
Shots on Target
Home4
Away9
Corners
Home3
Away7
Fouls
Home6
Away9

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Watford 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Watford 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1.

  3. Post update

    Foul by Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur).

  4. Post update

    Juraj Kucka (Watford) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  5. Post update

    Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Juraj Kucka.

  6. Substitution

    Substitution, Watford. Cucho Hernández replaces Ken Sema.

  7. Post update

    Attempt saved. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Emerson Royal with a cross.

  8. Goal!

    Goal! Watford 0, Tottenham Hotspur 1. Davinson Sánchez (Tottenham Hotspur) header from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Son Heung-Min with a cross following a set piece situation.

  9. Post update

    Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  10. Post update

    Foul by Juraj Kucka (Watford).

  11. Substitution

    Substitution, Watford. Tom Cleverley replaces Imran Louza.

  12. Substitution

    Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Bryan Gil replaces Lucas Moura.

  13. Substitution

    Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Giovani Lo Celso replaces Sergio Reguilón.

  14. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

  15. Post update

    Attempt saved. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Harry Kane.

  16. Post update

    Attempt missed. Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur) right footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Ben Davies following a corner.

  17. Post update

    Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Juraj Kucka.

  18. Post update

    Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  19. Post update

    Foul by Joshua King (Watford).

  20. Post update

    Corner, Tottenham Hotspur. Conceded by Joshua King.

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Comments

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These comments are now closed.

1088 comments

  • Comment posted by Bill, at 17:22 1 Jan

    I commented on the BBC's triumphant headline, 'Man Utd move into Top six', after they'd beaten Burnley, stating that if Spurs win their game in hand and move into the top 6, there would not be such a sensationalist headine. Well, Spurs have moved into the top 5, but no such hysteria. Funny that, BBC. I am a Derby fan, I just like media balance, which you don't get with the BBC.

  • Comment posted by JMP, at 17:16 1 Jan

    Sending best wishes to the supporter who needed urgent medical attention. Hope they make a full recovery.

    • Reply posted by ingmarsen, at 17:24 1 Jan

      ingmarsen replied:
      Yeah !!! Well said . Echo that .

  • Comment posted by Greenlantern, at 17:13 1 Jan

    Hey Mr. Levy now we have a few more points can you send Conte out shopping please but ffs let him write the shopping list .

    • Reply posted by tony, at 17:16 1 Jan

      tony replied:
      Harry is staying isn,t he?

  • Comment posted by Desk droid 3000, at 17:07 1 Jan

    Win is a win but boy do we need to buy some creativity.

    • Reply posted by Bileybill, at 17:35 1 Jan

      Bileybill replied:
      Playing 2 CDM's every game doesn't help though does it...

  • Comment posted by Plain aim, at 17:08 1 Jan

    Mr. Conte remains unbeaten in the Premier League, since becoming Tottenham coach. Another three points for Spurs, despite a good defensive display from Watford.

    Small margins make a big difference. Sounds like Arsenal were unfortunate to lose to a late goal after playing so well.

    Games in hand could take Spurs up to fourth.

    • Reply posted by GR, at 17:22 1 Jan

      GR replied:
      It's always good to see Spurs gaining some momentum from the their last League Championship in 1961.

  • Comment posted by Mikee, at 17:09 1 Jan

    2 hours of boredom followed by 10 seconds of excitement...
    thank god for wine!
    COYS

    • Reply posted by Stu Gotz, at 17:14 1 Jan

      Stu Gotz replied:
      Damnit has the game finished. Suppose 1 nil no matter what the performance or level of entertainment is what counts. Been acceptable to our fake north London cousins for decades.

  • Comment posted by Not a Shill Plant or Stooge, at 17:07 1 Jan

    Rugby tackle on Dier but yet again no pen for Tottenham.
    Well played keeping on going right to the end & getting the deserved winner.
    21 shots like v Southampton
    Great start to 2022 with the injury time winners.
    COYS

    • Reply posted by bigwats99, at 17:27 1 Jan

      bigwats99 replied:
      I think the ref was thinking of all the stuff spurs got away with last few games

  • Comment posted by Captain Francois Dubonais, at 17:11 1 Jan

    A perfect New Year's Day, Goons still complaining that penalties are awarded for fouls and Spurs crawl over the line in the 96th minute, what could be better?

    • Reply posted by coolspex, at 17:13 1 Jan

      coolspex replied:
      Wet spam lose as well that’s what could be better

  • Comment posted by Morty, at 17:11 1 Jan

    Sorry haters. We've only gone and won again. COYS

    • Reply posted by Football Jim, at 17:16 1 Jan

      Football Jim replied:
      Spuds are irrelevant.A spoilt London club.The real footballing clubs are in the north like Sunderland,Sheff Wed,etc.

  • Comment posted by Mcrpb, at 17:11 1 Jan

    Watford got what they deserved, nothing. Spurs weren't much better, no creativity and lack of ideas to break teams down that park the bus. On a positive note it's 3 points on the board. Need a good transfer window now and get some creative players in.

    • Reply posted by Hot Spur, at 17:42 1 Jan

      Hot Spur replied:
      And another striker. Still relying to much on an under par Kane.

  • Comment posted by havefunenjoy, at 17:15 1 Jan

    74% possession and a late goal. Obviously still not firing on all cylinders but a win is a win with still a game in hand over most. Good enough for me

    • Reply posted by Sport Report, at 19:13 1 Jan

      Sport Report replied:
      It ain't over till it's over. At the end of the day, 3 points in the bag to take home. Good teams get wins when they're not playing well. They need more quality in the final third though. Let's see what they can do before the transfer window slams shut.

  • Comment posted by mjh, at 17:08 1 Jan

    Well done Spurs. Watford clearly set out to defend, but Spurs finally got the job done.

  • Comment posted by James, at 17:09 1 Jan

    COME ON YOU SPURS.,DONT THINK JOHNNY HORNCHURCH WILL BE ON THIS PAGE TONIGHT.

    • Reply posted by coolspex, at 17:10 1 Jan

      coolspex replied:
      I think James you may be right lol

  • Comment posted by it aint the heat its the humility, at 17:05 1 Jan

    Better late than never for Tottenham, dodged a big bullet with a penalty that for the life of me should've been awarded for Watford. January now some additional players to the Spurs squad is much needed, starting with a midfield play maker.

    • Reply posted by coolspex, at 17:07 1 Jan

      coolspex replied:
      Trouble is the decisions are inconsistent, we spurs had 2 good goals against saint’s disallowed

  • Comment posted by coolspex, at 17:06 1 Jan

    Another win clean sheet and we go on COYS

    • Reply posted by cb, at 09:17 2 Jan

      cb replied:
      Agreed, but Spurs really need a right wingback who knows how to cross accurately, Royal, alright he's not bad at defending, but he isn't a wingback... To get the ball in that much space and constantly pass the safe ball backwards.... Oh the days of Walker, Tripier & Rose...

  • Comment posted by mumndad, at 17:07 1 Jan

    Fantastic. Watford park the bus. They're going down. Bring on Arsenal and let's make it a win. Conte magic. Great header Sanchez.

    • Reply posted by coolspex, at 17:09 1 Jan

      coolspex replied:
      And loads of time wasted that’s what happens

  • Comment posted by andyw, at 17:15 1 Jan

    What a grind - Spurs better first half but no end product, Watford made a fist of it second half. A draw would probably have been fair, but grateful for the win. Spurs need to bring in creativity this transfer window as Eriksen has never been replaced.

    • Reply posted by havefunenjoy, at 17:18 1 Jan

      havefunenjoy replied:
      Im still waiting for Gil to show the promise he had at his initial signing

  • Comment posted by NiveusPluma, at 17:32 1 Jan

    Voyeuristic wannabe Spurs supporter Gooners commenting because they secretly love the Spurs again I see. They just can't stay away from us. It's embarrassing. Stop hanging around Spurs pages you sad acts, you can't join the gang. We don't want you! I wouldn't be seen dead on an Arsenal page.

    • Reply posted by Sheerbedlam, at 17:50 1 Jan

      Sheerbedlam replied:
      Yes, we all would

  • Comment posted by Love Man City, at 17:30 1 Jan

    Wow ... more misery piled on gunners 😁

    • Reply posted by Jockney, at 17:57 1 Jan

      Jockney replied:
      It's gooners please, grammar is important 👍

  • Comment posted by Greenlantern, at 17:07 1 Jan

    I’m happy with the win even though unconvincing. I am convinced though that this has completely ruined Arse Nal and Wet Spam’s weekend

    • Reply posted by MadGooner, at 17:38 1 Jan

      MadGooner replied:
      Better teams make you feel a bit green around the lantern do they.

As It Stood

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Man City21172253134053
2Chelsea20126243142942
3Liverpool19125250163441
4Arsenal2011273325835
5West Ham20104637271034
6Tottenham1810352320333
7Man Utd189453026431
8Wolves187471314-125
9Leicester187473133-225
10Brighton185941718-124
11Crystal Palace205872930-123
12Aston Villa1871102428-422
13Southampton194962029-921
14Brentford185582125-420
15Everton175482129-819
16Leeds183781836-1816
17Watford1841132236-1413
18Burnley161871524-911
19Newcastle1918101942-2311
20Norwich192413842-3410
View full Premier League table

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