Odion Ighalo has scored in his sixth successive Premier League game to get Watford back on level terms against Tottenham Hotspur.
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In a surprise move, Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino moved Eric Dier into defence to form a three-man backline, and the switch proved effective during the opening 15 minutes as Watford were limited to a long-range strike from former Spurs man Etienne Capoue.
Two minutes later, the Hornets contributed to their own downfall as Spurs went in front. Craig Cathcart conceded possession on the halfway line, leaving Harry Kane to play in Erik Lamela who provided the cool finish into the corner, despite the attentions of Miguel Britos.
The duo combined again soon afterwards, but on this occasion, Lamela could only drag his effort wide of the target from just inside the penalty area.
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As the game approached the half-hour point, in-form Ighalo fired wide for Watford before Spurs midfielder Dele Alli tried his luck from distance, without his effort ever threatening the target.
It appeared as though the visitors would head into half time with a narrow advantage, but four minutes before the break, Ighalo registered his 14th goal of the campaign by poking the ball past Hugo Lloris after managing to out-muscle Dier.
Darren Plant
