On paper, this seemed to be the match that Tottenham were most likely to take lightly out of their remaining fixtures — and Watford made life difficult for half an hour.
However, Dele Alli’s sublime 33rd-minute opener opened the floodgates and Spurs’ array of in-form offensive players put their side 4-0 up before the 55th minute.
This was the North Londoners’ 14th consecutive domestic victory at White Hart Lane and Mauricio Pochettino’s side clearly have little intention of letting Chelsea stroll over the line.
Positives
In the past Tottenham have looked over-reliant on Harry Kane for goals, but when their star striker came off the bench on this occasion his teammates had already established a 4-0 lead.
With Alli and Son Heung-min in deadly form, and Christian Eriksen also at his best, Spurs can strike from all areas. Eric Dier also chipped in again, having scored the opener at Burnley last Saturday.
Tottenham look dangerous and effective in either a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 system, having used the latter option against Watford.
And, with Kyle Walker and Victor Wanyama both sitting on the bench along with Kane, here was further evidence that Pochettino has a capable supporting cast. Kieran Trippier and Dier both made key contributions.
Negatives
Having steadily improved during his outings against Burnley and Swansea in the past week, Vincent Janssen deservedly started up front against Watford but failed to fully seize the opportunity and missed a good chance from very close range.
9 — Janssen misfired but the Argentine was right to pick him, and his decisions to select Son and Trippier paid off too.
GK Hugo Lloris, 7 — If he was feeling unwell he did not show it, coming quickly off his line as usual and making a brave punch under pressure.
DF Kieran Trippier, 9 — Set up Son’s second goal with a cross to the back post and created another four or five good opportunities. The right-back has now scored once and contributed four assists in his four matches against Watford in Spurs colours.
DF Toby Alderweireld, 8 — A powerful Watford side posed a threat, especially in the first half, but Alderweireld’s combination of strength, pace and aerial ability helped to keep them at bay and secure another clean sheet.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 — Solid at the back again and enjoyed an exciting foray upfield at one point, leading a break from a corner but being caught before reaching the visitors’ goal.
DF Ben Davies, 7 — Less effective than Trippier but played his part and saw a good effort blocked in the first half when a half-cleared corner fell to him.
MF Eric Dier, 8 — Helped Spurs to win the midfield battle and found Trippier with a couple of accurate floated passes before firing home his second goal in three matches.
MF Mousa Dembele, 8 — Watford tried everything to limit the Belgian’s influence and get under his skin, but it only drove him on. His forceful run, while being fouled, led to the opening goal and he controlled the central areas while getting back diligently to put pressure on Isaac Success when the away team fashioned a rare chance in the second half.
MF Christian Eriksen, 8 — Pulled the strings again and was frequently the player who engineered the space that resulted in a goal. It was Eriksen who gave the ball to Son when Spurs went 3-0 up, and he also freed the overlapping Trippier when Son doubled his tally.
MF Dele Alli, 8 — Produced the moment of magic that crucially broke the deadlock, curling a stunning 25-yard strike into the top right corner. The 20-year-old has now scored 16 league goals this season — the same as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
MF Son Heung-min, 9 — Looked dangerous on the left side from the start, seeing a low cross deflected onto the post, and was involved in Dier’s goal before scoring twice himself, taking his tally to seven goals in five games. He should have had a hat trick but hit the bar and then missed the target when one on one with Heurelho Gomes.
FW Vincent Janssen, 7 — Got involved and had chances but was unable to capitalise, first being denied by Gomes after a neat turn and then, less impressively, failing to force the ball home when it arrived at point-blank range.
FW Harry Kane, 7 — Replaced Janssen on the hour-mark and laid on a golden opportunity for Son before hitting the bar with a free kick.
MF Moussa Sissoko, N/A — Came on for Dembele with 15 minutes left and tried to open up his legs, but there were sighs from the home crowd when a heavy touch ended a promising move.
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