Tottenham Player Ratings vs Watford: Here’s how the Lilywhites fared
Paulo Gazzaniga turned the hero as Tottenham Hotspur knocked Watford out of the EFL Cup via penalty shootout on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga saved the efforts of Etienne Capoue and Domingos Quina before Dele Alli sealed Tottenham’s shootout victory.
Isaac Success fired Watford into the lead early in the second half but Spurs turned that round through a late penalty by Dele Alli. Erik Lamela certainly looked to have grabbed the winner for Spurs but Etienne Capoue took the game to the shootouts by equalising for the Hornets in the last minute.
In the shootout, Capoue’s effort was saved by Gazzaniga, who also foiled Quina’s effort before Alli scored the vital spot-kick to send Spurs through to the next round of the EFL Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Paulo Gazzaniga – 8/10
Gazzaniga made a string of fantastic saves and also saved two penalties in the shoot-out. A strong show in goal.
Serge Aurier – 7/10
Aurier made a vital block in the first half to stop a certain goal. His crossing was much better, which deserved at least an assist.
Toby Alderweireld – 6/10
Alderweireld’s distribution from the back was top-notch. He was generally solid when it came to defending.
Davinson Sanchez – 5/10
Sanchez wasn’t at his imperious best at the back for Spurs. Had some nervy moments during the final few minutes of the game and his passing wasn’t as crisp as it usually is.
Ben Davies – 4/10
Davies couldn’t match the intensity and the press of Watford. He was so sloppy in possession and was caught napping a number of times. A night Davies would love to forget as quickly as possible.
Victor Wanyama – 5/10
A rusty performance, which is understandable due to Wanyama’s lack of game time.
Harry Winks – 6/10
Calm in possession, Winks controlled the tempo of the game in the second half. Was heavily involved after the break and was a force to reckon with in the middle of the park.
Moussa Sissoko – 5/10
Sissoko kept things simple in the midfield, which was the requirement. Didn’t commit any mistakes and set up a great chance for Alli.
Dele Alli – 7/10
Alli worked tirelessly and enjoyed rich rewards later. Earned a penalty, scored it and then sent his team into the next round by scoring the conclusive spot-kick.
Erik Lamela – 7/10
Brought dynamism to the attack with his energy and intensity. He was a constant menace for the Watford defenders due to his movement and trickery on the ball. Scored a really good goal.
Lucas Moura – 5/10
Moura led the attack and since it isn’t his natural position, he struggled to impose himself on the game. He tried a lot to get involved in the game but to no avail.
Substitutes
Son Heung-min – 5/10
Came on for Sissoko and added some much-needed impetus to the attack.
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Moussa Dembele – 5/10
Lost the ball a couple of times but his presence in the midfield tightened things.
Fernando Llorente – 4/10
Replaced Moura with 20 minutes to go. Missed a great chance from Aurier’s cross.