The Hornets continued their impressive form under Nigel Pearson’s this afternoon after securing a point in a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
The game could have been won for either side, with Troy Deeney missing a second half penalty and Erik Lamela’s shot being cleared off the line in the dying embers of the game.
With VAR dominating the last game between these two sides, it didn’t take long for the first big decision of the game to need the reassurance from officials in Stockley Park, with the away side having a big shout for a penalty waved away by the referee, after the ball clearly hit Craig Dawson’s arm in the penalty area.
Despite the claims, no penalty was given and Jose Mourinho’s side may feel hard done by with that decision.
Spurs, as expected, started to grow into the game and dominated a lot of early possession with no big chances falling to either side.
Ismaila Sarr has become a fan favourite at the club since signing in the summer and had the beating of Joseph Tanganga down the right, with the Tottenham youngster picking up an early yellow card after taking him down just outside the penalty area.
The first big chance of the game fell to Lucas Moura but a brilliant save from Foster prevented the Brazilian from opening the scoring.
Captain Deeney had the stand out chance for his side but his header, just before the end of the first half, didn’t cause the Tottenham keeper too much trouble.
The Hornets started the second half well with Pearson’s side putting their opponents under some early pressure after Doucoure struggled to convert his chance on the 47th minute.
Nigel Pearson showed his frustration at his defenders on the 53rd minute as they made it easy for Son to pick out a lurking Alli in the box who fired his header over the bar.
Good work from Deeney nearly put Watford 1-0 up but a vital block from a Spurs defender saw his shot go just wide of the post.
Sarr was the stand out player for Watford this afternoon and once again, he had the beating of Tanganga who picked out Deulofeu and the Spaniard looked certain to score but his shot bounced off the arm of Jan Vertonghen in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
Up stepped Deeney with all Watford fans feeling confident that he will convert, but his shot is saved well by Gazzaniga.
Watford we’re forced into a late change with Hornets fans getting to see January signing Pussetto in a Watford shirt which couldn’t have got off to a better start with some last ditch defending by the Argentine who prevented Erik Lamela’s shot from trickling over the line.
Tottenham players were adamant the ball went over the line and a replay showed it was millimetres away from being awarded as a goal.
Pearson will be happy with a point and another clean sheet against a Tottenham side who looked like they were missing their star striker Harry Kane.
The Hornets next play Aston Villa away on Tuesday, January 21.
Picture courtesy of Watford FC
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