Ace strikes as Alli and Trippier impress Gareth

by another excellent defence-splitting pass from Will Hughes.

But whatever Mauricio Pochettino said at half-time clearly worked because the home side calmed the nerves of a sparse crowd in the 48th minute.

Alli played a beautiful ball through for Heung-min Son and he squared it for Kane, only for the England star to lose his footing and slip.

But he got up just in time to slot home Trippier’s ball back in and celebrated by laughing off his embarrassment.

It was tough on Watford, who been the better side for some time, and few in the stadium gave them much hope of a comeback.

But despite having little to play for, the Hornets showed some spine and were soon pinging crosses across the Spurs box again.

The hosts were forced into a rejig when Mousa Dembele limped off to be replaced by Victor Wanyama and Watford boss Javi Gracia quickly responded.

He threw on Troy Deeney for Gray and he immediately created a clear chance for Richarlison. The Brazilian should have ended Watford’s long goal drought on their travels but he ballooned over from six yards out.

But Spurs were always in control, with Jan Vertonghen heading against the post from another brilliant Trippier cross, this time from a free-kick.

SPURS (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Dembele (Wanyama 63); Son (Sissoko 74), Alli (Lamela 82), Eriksen; Kane. Subs: Vorm, Alderweireld, Aurier, Moura.

WATFORD (4-2-3-1): Karnezis; Mariappa, Cathcart, Kabasele, Holebas; Doucoure, Capoue; Femenia (Deulofeu 64), Hughes (Carrillo 83), Richarlison; Gray (Deeney 64). Subs: Gomes, Janmaat, Britos, Sinclair.

Referee: Michael Oliver.