Published: 6 February, 2016
by DAN CARRIER at White Hart Lane

Premier League
SPURS 1, WATFORD 0

SPURS sit second in the Premier League tonight (Saturday) after seeing off a stubborn Watford side at White Hart Lane thanks to a Keiren Trippier goal.

The full-back struck midway thorugh the second half after substitute Dele Alli had carved open space. Up until then, Hornets – and former Spurs – goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes had performed heroics to keep Spurs, who had 26 shots, at bay.

Speaking after the game, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino tried to dampen down growing excitement that his young side could win the title.

“We are ready to compete,” he said.

“Today, it was just 1-0 and we felt we could've scored more – but we are satisfied as the important thing was to win the game, and we are happy with the result.

“We know it is a five-point gap, and yes, we are in a good position. But we need to keep working and not think about it too much.”

Pochettino said he was keeping his players grounded as they head into a defining month, with a game against fellow challengers Manchester City next week followed by ties in the FA Cup and the Europa League.

“Our challenge is to improve every day,” he said.

“I believe in my players and my squad. The word belief is important. They believe in how we play, and in the team and its dynamic. The group has this synergy and this is very good for the future. You can see it in ther eyes.”

Watford, well organisd and disciplined, offered Pochettino's charges a real test. While Spurs had all the possession, they found the Hornets' back four ably protected by a five-man midfield not willing to break ranks.

On eight minutes, Harry Kane chased down a through-ball and went to lob Gomes in goal before his shirt was tugged by defender Miguel Britos. The referee didn't see it, and Gomes collected comfortably.

Spurs peppered the penalty box, with Trippier particularly enjoying sojourns down the right. On the opposite flank, Ben Davies had two good chances but was denied by a great block from defender Allan Nyom on 30 minutes and then a last-ditch parry by Gomes.

Spurs didn't let the desperate rearguard action from their guests frustrate them, and tore into the Hornets in the second half.

Gomes was forced into a number of sprawling stops and lived dangerously, pulling Kane down for what looked like a penalty.

On 60 minutes, with the Watford defence still locked, Pochettino threw on Dele Alli to hopefully provide the key.

The youngster made an immediate impression.

On 64 minutes, Mousa Dembele broke forward. He sought out Alli on the left, who slid a perfect cross over for Trippier to tuck home from close range.

It felt like a comprehensive victory despite the slim scoreline, and one that keeps Spurs in the hunt.

SPURS: Lloris, Alderweireld, Kane, Lamela (Son, 71), Dier, Trippier, Dembele, Chadli (Alli, 60), Eriksen (Carroll, 90), Wimmer, Davies.
Subs: Vorm, Walker, Rose, Son, Mason, Alli, Carroll. 

SPURS COMMENT by Dan Carrier

ONE of the neatest tricks of Pochettino's reign is the ability to seamlessly swap players. Today, it was Davies and Trippier's turns to play at full-back, and they were certainly as good as Danny Rose or Kyle Walker. 

The same goes for Kevin Wimmer. There were fears that the loss of Jan Vertonghen, breaking up his partnership with Toby Alderweireld, would mean disaster. But Wimmer slotted in like he'd been there all season.

There are 27 fixtures left printed in the Spurs programme that this side could play in – if they reached the Europa League and FA Cup finals.

While every Spurs fan wants a day out at Wembley and a beano abroad, the simple fact is Pochettino must play second-stringers in the February cup games and go all out for the title. This side could be Champions. They need to go for it.