Player ratings as Watford beat Spurs to continue perfect start

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Watford continued their perfect start to the Premier League season as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Vicarage Road.

After a poor first half from both sides, Tottenham took the lead in the 53rd minute when Abdoulaye Doucoure bundled the ball into his own net.

But the goal buoyed Watford and Troy Deeney drew the Hornets level with a good header from a set piece.

Javi Gracia’s men took the lead five minutes later, with another head from a set piece, this time Craig Cathcart finding the net to give Watford four wins from four.

Here’s how the players rated.

Watford

Ben Foster – 6 – Though shielded by his defenders, Foster did need to be alert to deal with Tottenham’s attackers at times and managed to commaned his box well. Beaten at his near post by Doucoure’s own goal when he could have done better with the initial ball into the box.

Daryl Janmaat – 6 – Had some chances to get forward though was more involved defensively, up against Ben Davies and did well keeping the Spurs full-back quiet.

Craig Cathcart – 9 – Up against Harry Kane, Cathcart had a strong first half and gave the English striker little room to manoeuvre in front of goal. Even after Watford conceded, the centre-back kept his composure to help Watford stay in the game. Fully deserved his goal

Christian Kabasele – 8 – Alongside Cathcart did well in the first half but it was his poor attempted header, colliding with Foster, which eventually resulted in Spurs’ opener.

Jose Holebas – 8 – Had a quiet first half but it was his brilliant cross from a free-kick which set up Deeney to draw Watford level. And another very good delivery from a corner resulted in Cathcart’s goal.

Will Hughes – 7 – Stuck to his defensive objectives in the first half, and performed them well. After half-time, the former Derby County midfielder quiet going forward in the first half

Etienne Capoue – 7 – In the second half, Capoue helped Watford take control of the midfield, using his power on the edge of his own area to keep Spurs at bay.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7 – The unfortunate scorer of the own goal to give Spurs the lead but Doucoure did not let that faze him as Watford fought back, with the midfield battle key.

Roberto Pereyra – 6 – Was tricky against Tottenham’s defenders but did not have the output many would have hoped given his previous performances.

Troy Deeney – 8 – Like many Watford players, Deeney had a slow first half but as he improved so did the Hornets. Pushed his side after Tottenham took the lead and scored the equaliser with a powerful header.

Andre Gray – 4 – It wasn’t Gray’s day on Sunday, as he struggled to get into the game in his 70 minutes on the pitch.

Substitutes:

Isaac Success (on for Gray 70) – 6 – Brought fresh legs into the Watford attack and helped stretch Spurs’ defence well.

Nathaniel Chalobah (on for Hughes 85) – N/A – A late sub.

Adrian Mariappa (on for Pereyra 90) – N/A – A late sub.

Tottenham Hotspur

Michel Vorm – 5 – In for Hugo Lloris following the Frenchman’s injury, Vorm had very little to do in the first half, watching on with the rest of the Vicarage Road fans. But there was nothing he could do to stop Deeney’s powerful second-half header or Cathcart’s winner.

Kieran Trippier – 7 – As always, Trippier was a threat going forward and tested the Watford defence with his set pieces. Did his part defensively, with the Hornets favouring Davies’ side.

Toby Alderweireld – 4 – Usually one of, if not the, best centre-backs in the Premier League, Alderweireld struggled after half-time and was fortunate not to score an own goal, as his header hit the bar. Then, unchallenged, missed a header which allowed Cathcart to put Watford ahead. Sacrificed with Spurs needing a goal.

Jan Vertonghen – 5 – Looked good in the first half but as Watford’s confidence grew, Vertonghen and co. appeared likely to cause their own downfall.

Davison Sanchez – 6 – Back in the starting XI after missing out on the 3-0 win over Manchester United, Sanchez looked unbeatable in defence dealing with everything thrown at him in the first half. But, like his teammates, the centre-back could not put up with Watford’s attacking influence.

Ben Davies – 5 – Davies was good going forward though did not have as much luck as his team-mate on the other side. Had very little to do defensively.

Mousa Dembele – 6 – In the first half, Dembele held the midfield well and dominated the battle against Doucoure and Capoue. But allowed himself to be overrun after half-time and struggled to keep tabs on his opponents.

Christian Eriksen – 6 – Quietly influenced the game, dropping into free spaces on the pitch to try and get his side forward. But could not make enough impact when Spurs truly needed him.

Dele Alli – 5 – It was a poor game for the England midfielder, who could not really get into the action. Missed a golden opportunity in the first half, though had his blushes from close range partially saved by the offside flag.

Lucas Moura – 7 – Lucas was Tottenham’s most dangerous player in attack and it was his crosses which Doucoure put into his own net. However, the Brazilian was dealt with well by the Watford defence.

Harry Kane – 5 – Now in September, many had expected Kane to get amongst the goals, but the striker was uncharacteristically quiet managing just two shots.

Substitutes:

Fernando Llorente (for Alderweireld 81) – N/A – A late sub.

Harry Winks (for Dembele 86) – N/A – A late sub.

Danny Rose (for Davies 89) – N/A – A late sub.

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