LATE SICKENER STUNS RANIERI
Ten defeats in 12 for Watford but Sanchez’s 96th minute winner gives Conte cheer
WHEN your luck is out, it is definitely out. Claudio Ranieri was pondering a precious point and a dogged first Watford clean sheet of the season when Davinson Sanchez headed Tottenham’s winner in the 96th minute.
No matter that the Hornets were on the rough end of a couple of refereeing decisions. The facts show they have lost six in a row — and 10 defeats in 12 for Ranieri overall — and will drop into the relegation zone should Burnley beat Leeds today. The Pozzo family have sacked for less, even if Ranieri is one of the most popular managers around and has only been at Vicarage Road for three months. On the other side,
Antonio Conte remains unbeaten in his eight league games at Spurs since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo and had the travelling fans chanting his name before, during and after another tight win.
Following Arsenal’s lunchtime defeat, they are now only two points off a top-four spot but this was closer than they would have wanted, after dominating 73 per cent possession.
A delay in the second half so a fan could get medical treatment in the Graham Taylor Stand ensured eight minutes of stoppage time were signalled. And when Son Heung-min whipped in a free-kick over three Watford defenders, Sanchez leapt well to get a headed flick past Daniel Bachmann.
It was rough justice for the Watford goalkeeper, who had earlier saved brilliantly from Son.
Watford, whose star man Emmanuel Dennis was replaced at half-time following a week of Africa Cup of Nations controversy, could also feel slightly aggrieved, even though they were dominated in general play.
While referee Rob Jones got it right in denying Watford a penalty — Hugo Lloris got a vital touch on the ball before colliding with Joao Pedro — another decision by the official was bizarre. Pedro surged into the box despite having his shirt tugged by Oliver Skipp but, as he primed to shoot, Jones blew his whistle and awarded Watford a free-kick rather than play advantage.
The Hornets substitute looked disgusted at the decision and vented his anger by blasting the subsequent set piece over the bar.
‘My players did everything to win and not concede a goal. What a pity!’ said Ranieri. ‘We allowed Tottenham space to play but closed things behind us. We had good moments with Joao Pedro and Joshua King. On the penalty, I always respect the decision of referees. I accept every time. I am proud of my team.’
Conte said: ‘At the end it was good to find a way to get three points. Against Southampton last week we weren’t able to find it [Spurs drew 1-1 after playing against 10 men for 51 minutes]. You need to exploit chances against opponents like Watford, who were very organised with nine players behind the ball. It is not easy
‘We need to improve our quality with crossing and the final pass but I am delighted with a win and another clean sheet.’
After Dennis had fired straight at Lloris in the early stages, Spurs controlled the first half, though Ranieri seemed happy to allow the visitors the ball.
Sergio Reguilon tested Bachmann and Harry Kane, who had scored in his previous three games, curled wide , missing the target from 12 yards.
The visitors also had a couple of penalty shouts, most notably when Juraj Kucka tangled with Eric Dier.
Dennis, who is set to miss the Africa Cup of Nations on a technicality, to the annoyance of the Nigerian FA, was replaced by Pedro at the interval.
Spurs continued on top with Kane’s shot blocked by William Troost-Ekong and Bachmann stopping a drive by Lucas Moura.
When Watford had their big chance after 54 minutes, a terrific curler by King, Lloris was equal to it, sticking out a big left hand to tip around for a corner.
The home side were flabbergasted when Pedro was denied his moment by referee Jones who decided to blow his whistle, book Skipp and take play back for a free-kick.
He also judged Lloris’ collision with Pedro was not a penalty and VAR agreed. Spurs were then denied by Bachmann heroics. Moura chipped a pass into Son’s path and the Korean produced an excellent cushioned volley that the Watford goalkeeper somehow clawed away right-handed.
The referee copped more flak for stopping play as Spurs threatened on the edge of the box because Imran Louza was lying injured. It was not a head injury and the Moroccan seemed to recover fairly quickly once the opposition attack had been halted.
Tottenham were unfortunate when Harry Winks’ cross bounced off Bachmann to safety in the six-yard box, where you might have expected Kane to be lurking. But right at the
end, following the extra time to factor in that emergency medical treatment to a supporter, Son produced a piece of quality and Sanchez was on the spot to score his second goal of the season.
The transformation of Tottenham under Conte has been marked and an upcoming north London derby against Arsenal on January 16 will have Spurs fans heading into that match with renewed confidence.