Spurs got the New Year off to the best possible start with a 4-1 win over struggling Watford. The win lifts Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the top four going into the next round of fixtures.
Spurs dominated the game from the start, and you could sense a goal was coming when Dele Alli crashed a magnificent effort off the bar. In fact, the opener came just 24 seconds later. Kieran Trippier slid a lovely ball through to Harry Kane, who finished at the near post beyond Gomes.
A second goal was to follow soon after. Trippier was the creator once again as he whipped a great cross into the box. Kane was first to it between two Watford defenders to fire Spurs two goals to the good.
Younes Kaboul would have been keen to impress former manager Mauricio Pochettino on his visit to Vicarage Road following his comments about the Argentine boss in the week, but it was his error that led to the third goal just before half-time. Kaboul should have cleared a second ball, but slipped and gave the chance to Dele Alli, who made no mistake in tucking the ball into the back of the net.
The Englishman added his second just after the break. Harry Kane played the ball through to Alli, who took a touch before sliding the ball under Gomes. Tottenham took their foot off the gas slightly, and Watford scored a conciliation goal in stoppage time as Kaboul bundled the ball into the net.
Kieran Trippier put in a highly impressive performance for Spurs, playing in a right wing-back role in the absence of Kyle Walker. The 26-year-old created two chances, both turning into goals, won 75% of his tackles and put 4 crosses into the box. Here is how Spurs fans reacted to Trippier’s fantastic display.
Great start from spurs to start 2017 #coys .Trippier should start more often in my opinion
— Dominic Murray (@Dom435) 1 January 2017
Trippier today was brilliant! He loves a game against Watford!
— Katherine (@Vardsthfc) 1 January 2017
Trippier man of the match all day for me. Great performance, crossing in particular was immense as always
— Steve Moody (@Moophen) 1 January 2017
Trippier was unbelievable today, never lets us down when called upon
— Declannnn (@declan_gough) 1 January 2017
Lucky to have such a great pro like Trippier as backup to Walker. Solid and productive again! #COYS
— Paul Paris (@YidLegend) 1 January 2017
Really pleased to see Trippier and Wimmer slot in so seamlessly today…..big contributions from both players #THFC
— Graham Stanley (@GrahamJStanley) 1 January 2017
