Tottenham leave it late in victory over Watford

Tottenham were able to beat their recent rivals Watford on penalties in a match that welcomed Dele Alli back to the fold.

It shouldn’t have been this close.  Not at all. In the end though it showed just how much Tottenham have missed Dele Alli in recent weeks and it’s wonderful that he’s back for the North London club.  During what was one of the most boring first halfs in perhaps the history of football one could be forgiven for thinking this would have turned into a bore draw.

Tottenham started a strong if slightly experimental lineup with Lucas Moura starting as the striker.  He was supported by a strong cast of three derived from Erik Lamela, Dele Alli and Sissoko.  While they did at times string together a series of good passes it wasn’t all that positive moving forward.

The second half though began with a flurry and Tottenham were in the worst scenario possible when Watford scored in the 46th minute.  Having lost to Watford not long ago in the league it appeared that Tottenham’s chance at revenge was slipping from their grasp.  Spurs though did respond in like and all of a sudden it appeared the Tottenham Hotspur that Mauricio Pochettino has been cultivating for the past several years finally came alive.

Tottenham attacked again and again.  They crashed like waves on the Watford goal and yet still no goals or anything to show for it.  In a sign of the desperation surrounding Tottenham at the moment, Mauricio Pochettino brought on Son Heung-Min, Moussa Dembele, and Fernando Llorente.  Once he had flexed the size and wealth of his club things finally began to open for Tottenham and yet still no goals.

Then it happened.  A penalty in the 82nd minute.  Dele Alli stepped up with the sort of confidence he always shows on social media but not necessarily as often on the pitch and buried it.  He’ll be quite a player if he really manages to grow into his talent.

With vigor, Tottenham kept coming and squeeze in another goal through Lamela in the 86th.  The huge effort though that it took for them to get that goal cost them and they were left open and exposed at the back with Etienne Capoue then responding to net one in the 89th.

Eventually, after a tired and clumsy extra time period, Tottenham were able to win on penalties 4-2.  It was a good day for the club and one they’ll be able to put behind them with the added embarrassment of the home match being played at the Stadium MK.

A good win for Tottenham who are showing their character at the moment.