Dele Alli’s late goal rescued a point for Tottenham in a 1-1 draw with winless Watford, but it does not mask another dismal afternoon for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Spurs were on course for a 15th defeat in their last 30 games in all competitions until Alli scored for the first time since January in the 86th minute, despite a faux pas by VAR officials, who originally showed a message of ‘no goal’.

Tottenham had lost 7-2 to Bayern Munich and 3-0 to Brighton before the international break, but this was every inch as bad as they fell behind to an early goal by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Deulofeu twice got in on goal but chose the wrong option on both occasions and Spurs got away with it.

It did not look like they were going to make it count as they continued to labour, until a defensive mistake allowed them back into the game.

Kiko Femenia got in the way of Foster, who spilled the ball, allowing Alli to chest it and then convert.

VAR had a look for handball, but the goal was awarded, even if the screens in the stadium showed the decision as ‘no goal’ after referee Chris Kavanagh had signalled a goal.

Spurs threw everything forward in an attempt to find a winner they would not have deserved, but they fell short.