Tottenham Hotspur got its new year off to a bright start with a 4-1 win over Watford Sunday at Vicarage Road.
Harry Kane scored a pair of first-half goals, courtesy of assists from Kieran Trippier, to take command of the match early.
The first arrived in the 27th minute:
GOAL!! Harry Kane rings in 2017 with the first Premier League goal of the year to give Tottenham a 1-0 lead vs. Watford! pic.twitter.com/MpbNgATMX4
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 1, 2017
Six minutes later, the two connected again.
Harry Kane is on FIRE! Tottenham take a two-goal lead over Watford thanks to Kane's stunning finish! pic.twitter.com/lU1AjmM852
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 1, 2017
The brace, in addition to speeding Spurs on their way to a victory, gave Kane 59 goals in his first 100 Premier League matches. That’s the same return rate of former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, by the way.
Not to be outdone, Dele Alli made it 3-0 when he pounced on a wayward clearance.
Dele Alli Amazing Goal – Watford Vs Tottenham Hotspur 0-3 | EPL 2017 HD #AlliGoal #HappyNewYear #LIVE https://t.co/OXkgu6ygGz via @YouTube
— Talha Hussain (@talhahrs) January 1, 2017
One minute into the second half, Alli was at it again. Another poor clearance from the hosts found its way to the feet of Kane, who picked up Alli making a late run into the box.
A flawless delivery, coupled with a good first touch helped Tottenham make it 4-0.
Tottenham are CRUSHING Watford as Dele Alli's second goal pushes Spurs' lead to four! pic.twitter.com/UO6LKf9lYZ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 1, 2017
Younes Kaboul pulled one back for Watford in stoppage time, but the damage was long since done. The victory pulls Tottenham into third place in the table over Manchester City on goal difference.
Watford, which sits in 13th place, visits Stoke City on Tuesday while Spurs entertain Chelsea on Wednesday.
From the players
🗣@Dele_Alli: "It's a great start to the year. The away fans were brilliant as well and didn't stop. Everyone works hard for each other." pic.twitter.com/8UyhjMJTlg
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 1, 2017
🗣@Dele_Alli: "We've got a great team here and everyone wants to be on that pitch playing together. We know Chelsea next is a big game."
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 1, 2017
🗣"It's great to get on the scoresheet & start the year with a win. It's also good to get the assists for @Dele_Alli too as long as we win!" pic.twitter.com/DzbPIi0XEl
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 1, 2017