A LAST-MINUTE piece of magic from substitute Son Heung-min ensured Spurs snatched three points in a scrappy game against an in-form Watford side on today (Monday).

It was possibly Tottenham’s most important Premier League win of the season, and they moved up to third, level with Manchester City – who have a game in hand – and rooted themselves firmly in the top four going into the new year.

Speaking after the game, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “It was a fantastic victory. It was a very difficult pitch and Watford play in a different way and it wasn’t easy. But the maturity that we showed, and how we fought today, makes me proud.”

Just three points separated the sides before the game, and the significance of the Vicarage Road clash could hardly have been overstated. 

Newly promoted Watford are having a great season and are determined to challenge for a Europa League place, while Spurs are seeking to secure Champions League football next season.

Pochettino played down his team’s chances of winning the league, however.

“The numbers reflect that it’s always possible,” he said. “But it’s important to keep the players’ feet on the ground, we need to keep working hard, we need to behave the same as six months ago. We need a good balance and we need to always develop.” 

Spurs celebrate after finally getting the winner against ten -man Watford

Tottenham dominated the opening exchanges and never looked in any trouble, with Eric Dier, who played as a centre-half, comfortably dealing with Watford’s long-ball game.

In the 17th minute, Delli Alli recovered the ball in midfield and passed it to Harry Kane, who gave it to Erik Lamela. The Argentine went through on goal and slotted with his left foot past Gomes – a composed finish.

Spurs continued to dominate, but Watford looked bright at times, with Troy Deeney constantly looking for his in-form striking partner Odion Ighalo.

Four minutes before half-time, a ball into Spurs’ box found Ighalo, who battled his way past Eric Dier and poked home to put the sides level.

The second half was as scrappy as the first. A turning point in the game was the red card for Nathan Ake for a high, studs-first tackle on Lamela, who was hurt but got up quickly. 

'Nice one Son! We've beaten Watford'

Spurs continued to dominate but did not look like scoring in the final stages. Despite the one-man disadvantage Watford rallied in the last few minutes, and a Ben Watson corner most of the Hornets fans thought had gone in was ruled out by goal-line technology. 

One minute later, Spurs scored the winner against the run of play. Kieran Trippier’s first cross was cleared but he put the ball straight back into the box. 

With a great piece of skill Son then flicked the ball through Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes’ legs with a minute of normal time remaining to send the visiting fans into a frenzy. Spurs held on to win the game. 

Pochettino added: “It was difficult. We analysed the game, their game is long ball, so we wanted to manage the ball from the back. It was a bit disappointing the way we conceded the goal, but in the end it was a great win.”

SPURS COMMENT By Koos Couvée

Five things we learned today:

1. Mauricio Pochettino knows his squad. 

The Spurs manager made some big calls today, particularly in leaving out Eriksen and Walker, giving Kieran Trippier a first league start, and playing Dier as a centre-half. However, particularly Trippier was a revelation going forward, and Dier played well. Overall, Spurs changed their formation considerably to deal with Watford's game, and in the end it worked.   

2. Eric Dier showed intelligence and flexibility. 

Dier, who usually plays as a holding midfielder, only had a few days to prepare for his centre-back role but adapted brilliantly. He could have done better with Ighalo’s goal, but other than that it was a solid all-round performance.

3. Kieran Trippier was a revelation on the right wing.

Trippier, who had his first Premier League start today, had his best Spurs game to date. He did not put one bad delivery into Watford’s box. His decision to put a cleared cross straight back into the box into the path of Son still needed a touch of brilliance from the Korean, but it proved crucial.

4. Lamela is really coming into his own.

The Argentine had another great game. Despite his thin physique he muscled Watford players off the ball throughout the game, held up the ball well, showed creativity, and his finish for the first goal was very composed.

5. Spurs should finish in the top four.

This was a very important victory for Spurs. It was the kind of game they need to win to secure Champions League football next season. Though it was scrappy, to nick the game with one minute remaining against a side placed just three points below them will boost confidence going into 2016.