Harry Kane did his talking on the pitch as Tottenham reasserted themselves in the race for the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Watford.

Kane was mocked by the FA Cup’s official Twitter feed last week following Manchester United’s semi-final win, something boss Mauricio Pochettino called “embarrassing”, and the England striker responded by banging in his 27th league goal of the season.

Kane netted after the break, following Dele Alli’s first-half opener, to give on-looking England boss Gareth Southgate plenty to smile about and also strengthen his side’s top-four aspirations.

Tweet of the Match

Man of the Match – Hugo Lloris

Lloris made a number of important saves as Watford again drew a blank on the road
Lloris made a number of important saves as Watford again drew a blank on the road. (John Walton/EMPICS)

Watford have not scored an away goal under the guidance of Javi Gracia, an Andre Gray consolatory strike at Manchester City on January 2 their last on the road, and Tottenham captain Lloris made sure that run continued here. A couple of smart saves and quick reactions in the first-half ensured the hosts went in ahead at the interval and he was equally alert to thwart the Hornets as they chased the game.

Moment of the Match

Dele Alli opens the scoring
Dele Alli opens the scoring (John Walton/Empics)

While Lloris was the man of the match, his counterpart Orestis Karnezis will want to forget his fumble which led to Alli’s opener. A straightforward catch bounced out of the Greece international’s grasp with Christian Eriksen the beneficiary, rolling the ball into the path of Alli, with the England international finishing coolly to put Spurs ahead.

Data Point

Eriksen has been in fine form for Spurs this season.
Eriksen has been in fine form for Spurs this season. (Nick Potts/PA)

Eriksen has now been involved in nine Tottenham goals in his last eight appearances – weighing in with five goals and four assists.

Ratings

Tottenham: Hugo Lloris 8 (out of 10), Kieran Trippier 7, Davinson Sanchez 7, Jan Vertonghen 7, Ben Davies 6, Eric Dier 6, Mousa Dembele 6, Christian Eriksen 7, Dele Alli 7, Son Heung-min 7, Harry Kane 7. Subs: Victor Wanyama (for Dembele, 62) 6, Moussa Sissoko (for Son, 73) 5, Erik Lamela (for Alli, 82) 5.

Watford: Orestis Karnezis 4, Adrian Mariappa 5, Christian Kabasele 5, Craig Cathcart 5, Jose Holebas 6, Abdoulaye Doucoure 6, Etienne Capoue 6, Kiko Femenia 5, Will Hughes 6, Richarlison 5, Andre Gray 5. Subs: Troy Deeney (for Gray, 64) 6, Gerard Deulofeu (for Femenia, 64) 5, Andre Carillo (for Hughes, 82) 5.

Who’s up next?

West Brom v Tottenham (Premier League, May 5)
Watford v Newcastle (Premier League, May 5)