Watford entered this game as one of the top teams in the Premier League during the last five games, while Tottenham had looked wildly inconsistent during that same stretch. Neither side was able to deliver a solid performance here and, as a result, both teams had to settle for a scoreless draw at Vicarage Road.
Both teams attempted to attack from the wings inside out during the first half, although both lacked accuracy and sharpness in the final meters. Watford couldn’t take advantage of the fact Ismaila Sarr was winning duels often, while the Spurs evidenced the same verticality issues they experienced before Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking. It seems this was a squad problem and not a managerial issue. Jose Mourinho simply hasn’t been able to solve these problems.
Having said that, Watford had the best chances during the first half. Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney attempted great solo efforts, but they were either wide (Deulofeu) or stopped brilliantly by the goalkeeper (Deeney). The first half ended with a scoreless draw, but a slight supremacy from the home side.
Things didn’t change much after the break, as Watford continued to look like the more threatening side. Tottenham had their first clear scoring chance in the 62nd minute when Heung-min Son sent an effort slightly over the ball. However, Abdoulaye Doucore and Sarr had already created scoring opportunities for The Hornets shortly before.
The biggest chance of the game came in the 70th minute when Watford had a penalty after Jan Vertonghen handballed inside the box. Deeney stepped up to take shot, but Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga denied him with a great diving save towards the left post.
Tottenham could’ve been given two penalties in the second half, including one in the 86th minute. However, Oliver dismissed the claims and didn’t allow the Spurs the chance to score from the spot.
Erik Lamela had the final scoring chance with a header that went over the bar in the 92nd minute. But in the end, neither side could score, and the match ended with a 0-0 draw that doesn’t help either side aside from extending The Hornets’ undefeated run. While Watford are now in danger of falling into the red zone once again, the Spurs couldn’t conquer three points that would have pushed them closer to a European berth for the upcoming season.
Match Report
Watford: Foster (6); Mariappa (5), Dawson (6), Cathcart (7), Masina (6); Chalobah (5) (Pereyra (-), 79’), Capoue (6); Sarr (6) (Pussetto (-), 89’), Doucoure (5), Deulofeu (6); Deeney (4)
Subs not used: Gomes (GK), Holebas, Kabasele, Domingos Quina, Gray
Tottenham: Gazzaniga (7); Aurier (5), Alderweireld (6), Vertonghen (5), Tanganga (5); Lo Celso (6) (Gedson (-), 80’), Winks (4), Alli (5) (Eriksen (-), 73’); Lamela (6), Lucas Moura (5), Son (7)
Subs not used: Vorm (GK), Sanchez, Dier, Sessegnon, Skipp
Goals: None. Deeney (WAT) missed a penalty in the 70th minute.
Referee: Michael Oliver
Yellow cards: Capoue, Doucoure (WAT); Tanganga, Winks, Vertonghen (TOT)
Red cards: None
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