Tottenham player ratings v Watford: Selfish Son dominates

Kieran Trippier-8

The former Burnley star had a questionable start to the match after making a clumsy challenge against M’Baye Niang. Fortunately, that  proved to be an aberration for the Spurs right back.

After that, he looked cool, calm and collected at all times. He didn’t have a ton to do defensively, but he shut down Niang for the most part. That was certainly a concern of Pochettino’s heading into the match.

Trippier also deserves praise for his terrific crossing of the ball. During the second half, he pounded the Watford defense with dangerous balls in the final third. His pinpoint assist for Son’s second goal was the pinnacle of those efforts.

Ben Davies-6

Not surprisingly, Davies was again the weakest member of Pochettino’s starting XI. The Welshman was adequate defensively, but didn’t give the club anything of real quality moving forward. Danny Rose can’t get healthy soon enough.

Jan Vertonghen-7

Vertonghen played a pretty solid defensive match, but what we’ll all remember was his comical run up the pitch to attack the Watford goal. I have no idea how I should let that failed chance affect his rating, but it’s the most memorable thing he did on the afternoon.

Ultimately, I prefer matches were the centre backs aren’t a major topic of discussion. Vertonghen did his job today and that’s why he isn’t a major talking point.

Toby Alderweireld-7

My description for Vertonghen’s match could easily be written here as well. Alderweireld didn’t flail in front of goal like his Belgian partner, but he did provide the same solid defensive shift.

As usual, Alderweireld’s description from the back was crucial for the Tottenham attack. I can’t remember him putting a pass wrong all match long. It was a quietly effective match for one of the Premier League’s top defenders.