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Premier League | Gameweek 4
Sep 2, 2018 at 4pm UK
 
SL

2-1

Deeney (69'), Cathcart (76')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Doucoure (53' og.)

Live Commentary: Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur - as it happened

:Headline: Live Commentary: Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur - as it happened: ID:334865: from db_amp
Relive Sports Mole's live coverage as Watford go third in the Premier League table with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road.

Watford have come from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League clash at Vicarage Road.

An own goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure gifted Spurs the lead, but Troy Deeney and Craig Cathcart netted with headers to give the Hornets all three points.

Watford move into third place in the top-flight standings after registering their fourth successive win of the new campaign.

Find out how all of the action unfolded in Hertfordshire courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.

Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between Watford and Tottenham Hotspur. Three games have been played and each of these teams have registered maximum points. That will change today but who will prevail at Vicarage Road? Let's take a look at the two starting lineups...
WATFORD XI: Foster; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Gray, Deeney

WATFORD SUBSTITUTES: Gomes, Mariappa, Femenia, Masina, Chalobah, Sema, Success

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Vorm; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dembele, Eriksen, Davies; Alli, Lucas, Kane

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUBSTITUTES: Gazzaniga, Rose, Walker-Peters, Dier, Wanyama, Winks, Llorente

LATEST! Before we continuing with the team news, a quick update on what is happening at the Cardiff City Stadium. The home side and Arsenal are currently locked at 2-2, with Cardiff having twice fought back from behind. Click here to following the closing stages in South Wales.
Back to this game, and Watford head coach Javi Gracia has opted to name the same starting lineup for the fourth successive Premier League fixture. The Spaniard changed his entire XI for the EFL Cup clash with Reading in midweek, but each of the players who have started in the top flight have returned.
It means that Watford will again go with a 4-4-2 formation with Andre Gray and Troy Deeney taking their place in attack. Gracia may have been tempted to put five in midfield, but it appears that the offensive approach will continue this afternoon.
That said, without the ball, Watford might go with three in the middle with Will Hughes comfortable playing inside. The former Derby County man has been excellent since the start of the season and can be a key player for Watford providing that he remains fit.
Nathaniel Chalobah has made a welcome return to the bench. The Englishman has been sidelined for much of his time at Vicarage Road with a broken kneecap but after a successful outing in midweek, the former Chelsea man is back among the replacements.
As for Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino has decided to make three changes to the team which began the 3-0 victory over Manchester United. One of those is enforced, with Michel Vorm getting the nod between the sticks due to an injury to Hugo Lloris.
Davinson Sanchez is also back in the team with Pochettino seemingly opting to revert to a back three. The Colombia international has not been used since going off after an hour of the game with Fulham, a time when his boss changed to four in defence. Eric Dier is the man to make way.
Ben Davies returns in place of Danny Rose. The latter had been a surprise starter at Old Trafford but Davies - usually first choice under Pochettino - is back to feature at left wing-back.
The bench is a little depleted with Erik Lamela missing through injury and Son Heung-min having just won the Asian Games with South Korea. Harry Winks is the second most attack-minded player kept in reserve.
RESULT! The full-time whistle has gone at the Cardiff City Stadium and Arsenal have edged to a 3-2 victory over the newly-promoted side. It's another welcome three points for the Gunners! Click here to read our on-the-whistle match report.
That result means that Arsenal have now moved into seventh place in the table, which shouldn't be considered so bad when taking into account that they have already faced Manchester City and Chelsea. Cardiff remain in 16th place and without a win.
This is not the only match which will be starting at 4pm, BST. Up in the North-West, Manchester United are taking on Burnley at Turf Moor, which is a crucial fixture for both sides. Click here to keep up-to-date with that encounter.
Watford's start to the season has been well-documented and it is the first time that Watford have ever recorded three successive wins at the beginning of a top-flight campaign. A four-goal win today would see them move to the top of the standings.
Remarkably, since Gracia took over in January, Watford have recorded the third-most home wins in the Premier League, with only Liverpool and Manchester City registering more.
Pereyra is looking to get his name in the record books today. The Uruguayan is attempting to become the first Watford player to score in four successive home matches in the top flight since John Barnes during the 1986-87 campaign.
However, the unsung hero has arguably been Jose Holebas. The left-back has contributed one goal and two assists from left-back, although his goal against Crystal Palace had a touch of good fortune about it!
While Watford are undoubtedly in form, so are Spurs. The North London outfit have registered the second-most points in the Premier League during 2018, just two less than Man City.
They are also aiming to begin the season with three successive away wins for the second time in a row. They certainly showed both sides of their game in victories over Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Moura has been receiving most of the plaudits of late, but it has been a team effort since the start of the season. Nine players have already chipped in with a goal or assist.
Pochettino has also made full use of his squad. As many as 19 players have already been provided with minutes in the Premier League this season, with only Vertonghen and Eriksen the only two outfield players to feature for the full 270 minutes.
Spurs can head into the international break sitting at the top of the table, but that can only be achieved by winning by a three-goal margin.
PREDICTION! Watford have started the season strongly and have the potential to finish in mid-table. Tottenham will be expected to remain in the top four of the division all season long, meanwhile, and they will see this fixture as another chance to put three more points on the board. Spurs to prevail 2-0.
HEAD TO HEAD! Sunday's fixture represents the 46th competitive match between these two sides, with Spurs winning 29 times in comparison to just seven victories for Watford.
It would be accurate to say that Watford do not enjoy playing Spurs, who have recorded 10 wins and three draws from the last 13 contests. Watford last emerged victorious in 1994 in a League Cup tie at White Hart Lane.
That said, Watford did earn a point from the corresponding fixture last year. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, although Spurs played the final 37 minutes with 10 men. Click here to read our match report from that match.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way out at Vicarage Road. Expectation levels have risen at both clubs over the past seven days, but will that be justified today?
A reminder of the two starting lineups...

WATFORD XI: Foster; Janmaat, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Gray, Deeney

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Vorm; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dembele, Eriksen, Davies; Alli, Lucas, Kane

KICKOFF:  Spurs get us underway!
Both teams have started this game well, with Watford looking to get in behind the wing-backs when they can. Pereyra was just offside when getting down the left.
Spurs' first threat comes down the left through Kane, who attempts to find Moura in the middle. The ball across is decent enough, but a Watford defender gets back to make the interception.
Watford are looking a little shaky at the back. Moura has some joy down the right flank and only a hurried clearance gets the home side out of danger.
Kane does well to earn a corner after reaching the byline, but nothing comes from the resulting set piece. Watford had started this game on the front foot, but it is all Spurs now.
Better from Watford who are able to win the second ball after the initial attack broke down. In fairness to the home team, they are looking to play attractive football when they have possession, rather than look to find Deeney.
CHANCE!  Back come Spurs though and Alli almost nets with the most audacious of headers. A long ball found the midfielder who attempted to lob Foster, but his effort went just over the crossbar.
Spurs are playing with a calmness today which suggests that they are full of confidence, and why wouldn't they be after Monday's thrashing of Manchester United. Watford are prepared to sit tight for now.
Trippier is presented with a couple of chances to get the ball into the penalty area but on both occasions, Watford defend the crosses well.
CHANCE!  Watford put together their best move of the match with Janmaat getting the chance to whip the ball into the middle. Deeney gets above Alderweireld at the back post, but a header is powered over the crossbar.
The home side have really come into this over the past few minutes. It has taken Spurs by surprise to a certain extent and the visitors are having to do some defending.
Spurs attempt to hit back by getting Eriksen and Alli involved in the centre of the pitch, and the latter tried to get Moura in on goal. However, Kabasele got back well to get a foot in before Foster claimed.
LATEST! The game between Burnley and Manchester United is still level. Both teams have struggled in defence this season, so we do not expect that to remain the case. Click here to follow that game.
Spurs have overcome that brief onslaught from Watford to re-establish a bit of control in this game. Still no more chances to speak of, however.
We are yet to see much of Kane in this game. The England skipper has been getting down the flanks rather than being found in a central position in front of goal.
SHOT!  A cross into the air leads to a fumble from Foster but although the ball eventually arrives at the feet of Moura on the edge of the penalty area, the Brazilian miscues a volley well wide of the post.
LATEST! United have taken the lead at Turf Moor thanks to a goal from Romelu Lukaku. That will lighten the mood of Jose Mourinho.
Trippier tries to buy a cheap foul out of a Watford player and Pereyra attempts to gain a soft penalty out of Sanchez. The referee knows the score with each of them and awards nothing.
This game continues to be entertaining in spells but we are still awaiting either side to really launch a sustained attack on goal. Neither goalkeeper has had to make a significant save.
A shot from Eriksen turns into a cross for Alli at the back post, but the midfielder completely scuffs the effort from two yards. Fortunately for the England playmaker, the assistant had his flag up.
Watford get the chance to deliver a free kick into the box from the right, but the ball is comfortably claimed by Vorm. Just the five minutes to go until the break.
SHOT!  A Spurs corner is only half-cleared into the path of Davies on the edge of the area, but the wing-back slices the ball well off-target.
A free kick finds Sanchez at the back post and his header goes across the penalty area to Alli. The midfielder turns before looking to get a volley away, but a defender makes a vital interception.
CHANCE!  Another ball is delivered into a similar area but on this occasion, Sanchez sends a header over the crossbar from around 10 yards out.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME:  Watford 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
The half-time whistle goes at Vicarage Road and we remain on level terms after an uneventful opening 45 minutes. Spurs have perhaps shaded it in terms of possession and chances, but Watford have not been stretched at the back.
Spurs' best opportunity fell to Alli during the opening stages, with the England international sending a looping header over the crossbar after getting on the end of a long pass from Alderweireld. As for Watford, Deeney should have perhaps done better with a header at the back post.
Manchester United hold a 2-0 advantage over Burnley in the game at Turf Moor, with Lukaku netting both of the goals. The signs are there that it could be a long season for Burnley...
KICKOFF:  Watford get us back underway.
SHOT!  Spurs have returned very much on the front foot and Eriksen is quick to get a shot away from distance, only to see Foster make the easy save.
This may be the kind of game where Pochettino turns to Llorente. The Spaniard is barely used by his manager but Spurs could do with some extra height in the final third.
SHOT!  Eriksen gets another shot away from long range but like the one earlier, it was never going to beat Foster.
YELLOW CARD!  Capoue goes into the referee's book for a cynical tug on Vertonghen as the defender looked to break from the halfway line.
GOAL!  Watford 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Abdoulaye Doucoure own goal)
As calamitous own goals go, this is up there. Moura's cross back across the ball is well-struck, but Doucoure's attempt at chesting the ball behind for a corner from six yards only results in the ball being directed into the bottom corner.
Watford are now going to have to commit more men forward in search of an equaliser. Spurs' goal will infuriate Gracia because his side have defended well this afternoon.
You get the impression that the shackles are well and truly off Spurs in this second half. They look like they want to push for more goals, rather than sit back and absorb any pressure which comes their way.
Watford are doing their best to put the visitors under pressure, however. They are taking the direct approach but so far, Spurs are coping well.
SHOT!  Gray has remained on the periphery of this game but the Watford striker comes alive by sending a swerving effort narrowly over the crossbar from 20 yards out.
We are yet to see any signs of a change from Watford, who have the likes of Sema and Success in reserve. Both players made a positive impression against Reading in midweek.
BIG chance for Spurs. Kane is sent clear down the left and Spurs have two on one. Kane attempts to find Moura on the opposite side of the box, but the ball is played straight at a defender.
OFF THE BAR!  Back come Watford and after Deeney gets the better of Sanchez, the forward's cross is headed onto the bar and post by a diving header from Alderweireld. Watford are so unlucky!
GOAL!  Watford 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Troy Deeney)
Watford are not unlucky on this occasion! Pereyra's inswinging free kick finds Deeney, and the forward is able to glance a header into the far bottom corner. Vorm did not move.
SUBSTITUTION! Watford make their first alteration with Success taking the place of Gray.
This match could go either way now. Watford have been second best, but are now putting Spurs under all kinds of pressure! I fancy a winning goal in this one.
Success has been very lively since being introduced from the bench. He has already done more than Gray. Spurs are on the rack.
GOAL!  Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Craig Cathcart)
It's mayhem at Vicarage Road as Watford go in front! An inswinging corner finds the run of Cathcart, and the Northern Ireland international powers a header into the corner. Vorm had no chance.
Is Gracia building something special at Watford? Vicarage Road is absolutely bouncing and it has been a while since anyone has been able to say that on a regular basis. Spurs changes will be on their way soon.
SUBSTITUTION! Pochettino acts by switching to a back four, with Alderweireld being removed for Llorente.
SHOT!  Eriksen takes it upon himself to get a shot away from all of 30 yards out, but the Dane's effort is straight at Foster.
Spurs are beginning to rally now. Llorente was almost provided with a chance from close range, but Foster and the Watford defence dealt with the danger.
SUBSTITUTIONS! Watford make another switch with Chalobah taking the place of Hughes. As for Spurs, Winks has come on for Dembele.
CHANCE!  Was this the chance? Trippier's cross from the right is perfect for Kane to head home from eight yards, but the ball is sent marginally over the crossbar. The forward almost jumped too high.
SUBSTITUTION! Spurs' final alteration sees Rose come on for Davies.
SUBSTITUTION! Gracia acts by introducing Mariappa for Pereyra. There will be five minutes of added-on time.
YELLOW CARD!  Success is booked for stopping a free kick being taken in the corner. I'm not too sure that he is that fussed.
Some poor defending from Watford sees Spurs win a free kick on the edge of the area. It's perfect from an inswinging cross from Eriksen...
A glancing header from Deeney sees the ball go out for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Rose volleys over. That should be that.
FULL TIME:  Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
The full-time whistle goes at Vicarage Road and Watford have fought back to seal a fine victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs controlled the opening half-hour but did not do enough in the final third, and that allowed Watford to launch a spirited comeback. The Hornets now sit in third place with a fourth successive win.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again soon.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.

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