Davinson Sanchez strike hands Tottenham vital win at Watford

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:01 am

Tottenham Hotspur's bid for a Premier League top-four was boosted by a 1-0 win at relegation-threatened Watford after Davinson Sanchez scored a 96th-minute winner.

Spurs enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout the match, but poor finishing meant Antonio Conte's side had to wait until six minutes into added time for their breakthrough, which came when Colombian defender Sanchez headed home a Son Heung-Min free kick.

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Earlier, Sergio Reguilon had a powerful shot turned away by goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann after 25 minutes, while Harry Kane also hit a shot just inches wide of the net in the opening period.

Bachmann was called into action several times in the second half. He tipped a shot from Lucas Moura over the bar on 52 minutes and saved a close range strike from Son on 71 minutes.

Sanchez scored the decisive goal in an extended period of stoppage time, in part due to a delay in play caused by a medical incident in the crowd at Vicarage Road.

Tottenham had the best chances, but had to wait for Davinson Sanchez's winner.
Getty

"It was a difficult game because we played against a team well-organised defensively; they prepared this type of game but we controlled the game," Spurs manager Antonio Conte told the club's TV channel. "We had a lot of possession and we created chances, but I think that we missed the last pass - we could do better - and also because, in this type of game, if you score early, then your opponent has to change the plan and you can find the space."

Conte extends his unbeaten start as manager to eight games since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in November.

"During the game we tried to make some substitutions because it was the fifth game in 13 days and, for sure, the team was a bit tired, but I tried to make some substitutions, to change some things but, I repeat, we have to be delighted to get three points against Watford," Conte added.

Watford's winless run, which dates back to Nov. 20 in league play, continues. The home side's Joao Pedro had an 81st-minute penalty appeal turned down by VAR after Hugo Lloris dived to make a save at his feet.