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Tottenham could not wish for a more struggling opponent than Watford, as they aim to bounce back from that shock 3-0 defeat by Brighton.
Spurs are in need of a boost after the double blow of losing at the Amex and losing goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris for several months with a dislocated elbow.
But this might not be straightforward, with Watford be desperate to finally kick-start their season under returning manager Quique Sanchez Flores. Follow it live:
Watford have arrived in North London with confidence and a clear plan. They’ve executed it well especially without having a recognised striker on the pitch.
Doucoure gave them the lead after just six minutes and since then they’ve defended well albeit against a lacklustre Tottenham team.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
45 mins: Tottenham have seen lots of the ball but Watford have defended very well. Vertonghen leaves his arm out and hits Doucoure in the head, unintentionally.
Doucoure is seen to. There’ll be 4 minutes added on at the end of this half.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Lucas Moura is brought down by Doucoure in the centre circle. Spurs send it out to the right side before switching it to the left. Danny Rose passes to Alderwiereld who crosses and Moura heads over the bar.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
39 mins: Penalty appeal!
Deulofeu goes into the box and Vertonghen slides in to bring him down. Chris Kavanagh says no and it goes up to VAR.
VAR agrees with the referee.
That’s a huge decision as it looked like a clear penalty.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Dele Alli picks up the ball from a pass from Danny Rose, he chips a ball out to Aurier who sends a ball into the box from the wing but Watford are able to defend the cross.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Spurs break with Lucas Moura, Dele Alli is with him to his left. Moura gives him the ball and he tries to get a shot away but isn’t able to, the ball comes to Harry Winks who boots it out for a goal kick.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
30 mins: A period of play from Tottenham results in a cross from Aurier to Dele Alli who gies to ground on the edge of the box. No foul rules Chirs Kavanagh.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Tottenham are starting to control proceedings with Watford attacking quickly on the counter. Alderweireld puts a cross into the box but it is too heavy.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Spurs scramble the ball away from the corner flag and Harry Winks can move quickly up the pitch. Alderwiereld sends the ball out to Aurier but the Spurs’ attack breaks down.
Watford reply with a quick attack to Doucoure who puts it into the box but no Watford player can get on the end of the cross.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Lucas Moura receives the ball and turns quickly before setting the ball up for Dele Alli. He hits a shot but it is straight at Foster and he makes and easy save.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
18 mins: Harry Kane has only touched the ball once so far.
The service to the front men has been very poor from the home side. Spurs have had the most possession but are doing very little with it.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Holebas puts the ball into the box, no one meets it and the danger is avoided for Spurs.
Good pressure from Spurs, as the ball comes into the box for Harry Kane to get a head onto. The ball falls to Sissoko who shoots and wins and corner. The ball comes in and Rose is bundled to the floor.
Spurs appeal for a penalty but they don’t get one.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Sissoko takes a shot on from around 20 yards as Watford are scrambling to get back in line. Sissoko drills his shot wide of goal and Foster watches it go by.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
10 mins: Dele Alli gets the ball on the edge of Watford’s penalty area, he cuts inside and tries to line up a shot but fails as he loses the ball. Spurs need to play themselves back into the game.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Watford
Spurs are behind again at home. Doucoure has opened the scoring with his first goal of the season.
The Tottenham fans were momentarily silenced and stunned by that. That goal is only the fifth goal Watford have scored in the Premier League this year.
Tottenham 0 – 0 Watford
Watford make the first decent run and Janmaat puts the ball into the box. Tottenham clear and set up a break of their own.
Sissoko plays the ball forward but the offside flag goes up. Danny Welbeck has hit the deck without incident and it looks like he’s tweaked a hamstring
Team news
Tottenham: Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon are back in full training for Spurs, while Christian Eriksen is a doubt. Hugo Lloris is out for at least three months with a dislocated elbow.
Watford: Troy Deeney remains out for another three weeks, while Etienne Capoue remains out with a back problem.
Prediction
Spurs to be held by a dogged Watford performance. 1-1.
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