Four wins and three draws. Antonio Conte has had a good start to his stay as Tottenham coach and led the team to results that mean that Spurs have now got involved in the battle for the top four places in the Premier League.
On New Year’s Day, an away meeting with bottom team Watford awaited. Watford coach Claudio Ranieri then chose to start with Ken Sema. The Swede thus got playing time for the ninth match this season.
First half? Yes, it contained no further entertainment. The goal chances were solved with their absence and the mismatches took turns. No one on Vicarage Road could have been surprised that it was 0-0 on the scoreboard when the referee blew for halftime.
The team played after the break. Something, at least. Harry Kane tested Daniel Bachmann with a finish from distance, but the Watford goalkeeper stretched out and tipped the ball to the corner. Shortly afterwards, it was Joshua King’s turn to test shots from outside, but Hugo Lloris saved.
The match looked long to end 0-0, but in extra time Tottenham decided the event. Heung-min Son was given a chance to change things around. Spurs won 1-0 and now reduce the distance to Arsenal – who earlier in the day lost to Manchester City (1-2) – at the top. At the time of writing, there is a difference of two points to the rival, but then Conte’s team has two games fewer played.
– The goal, that was what we wanted. Not just me, but the fans and the team as well. I’m happy with the result. I’m happy to be here when we perform as we do, says match hero Sánchez to Sky Sports.
– Watford are always difficult to play against, it was very physical to come here. But we had the intention from the start to keep pushing for a victory and we did.
Antonio Conte is now undefeated in eight straight Premier League matches as coach of Tottenham. An impressive result for the Italian.
– We scored in the end but I think we tried and tried the whole match. In this type of match, you have to be smart, attack in the right way and be attentive so that you do not lose your balance, says Conte to Sky Sports.
– It is important to get three points. We know we have to suffer to get points. We are building a team that will try to be effective in the future, but we know that we must be competitive this season as well. It is important to be humble, to fight and suffer. I think we can still improve everything.
Ken Sema made a solid effort and was substituted in overtime when Watford chased an equalizer. The team is now in a real slump, as the loss was the sixth in a row. Watford’s latest Premier League points were taken in November.
Startelvor:
Watford: Bachmann – Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Cathcart, Masina – Sissoko – Sema, Kucka, Louza, King – Dennis.
Tottenham: Lloris – Sanchez, Dier, Davies – Emerson, Skipp, Højbjerg, Reguilon – Lucas Moura, Kane, Son.
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