Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane were the difference as Watford suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

The hosts were handed a 16th minute lead when Orestis Karnezis made a hash of collecting Kieran Trippier’s cross to drop the ball at the feet of Alli.

Watford posed a considerable threat going forward and Andre Gray, Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure all worked Hugo Lloris in the first half.

Spurs started the second period brightly and were 2-0 up when Kane swept in Trippier’s low cross.

The Hornets pushed for a route back into the game and were denied a goal when substitute Gerard Deulofeu scored from an offside position.

Richarlison was then guilty of firing over from just six yards when picking up the scraps from a Troy Deeney header as time ran out on Watford.

Here’s how the Hornets rated at Wembley.

Orestis Karnezis – 4.5

It was the keeper’s error which gifted Spurs their opener as he spilt a routine cross from Kieran Trippier to allow Alli to pounce.

Did everything else that was asked of him well, but his mistake went a long way to sending the hosts on their way to a win. Heurelho Gomes may well be expecting a recall against Newcastle.

Adrian Mariappa – 5

Watford Observer:

The constant running of Son Heung-min proved difficult for Mariappa to deal with and he was left chasing the South Korean on a number of occasions.

Gave away possession repeatedly but isn’t a right-back and offers little in an attacking sense.

Christian Kabasele – 6

Played a part in the first Tottenham goal as he ducked out of a header, although he may have got a shout from Karnezis.

Made a couple of good clearances to deal with dangerous crosses early on and was largely an assured presence at the back.

Craig Cathcart – 6.5

Has been solid since he came back into the squad and was once again on song as he helped to largely nullify the attacking threat of Kane.

One tackle on Son was particularly impressive as he chased the Spurs number seven back down the left and executed a perfect sliding tackle.

Jose Holebas – 5.5

Little surprise that most of Tottenham’s better moments came down their right hand side as Holebas struggled to cope with his defensive duties.

Was given little protection from Richarlison, but repeatedly allowed Tripper to get free and both the home side’s goals came from his wing.

Etienne Capoue – 6.5

Watford Observer:

One errant pass early on almost gifted Mauricio Pochettino’s men the lead, but he grew to his task against his former club.

Played a perfectly weighted through ball for Andre Gray which the forward could only fire straight at Lloris on the stretch.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7

Back to somewhere near his best and broke up play well at the heart of the Watford midfield and also got forward well when given the chance.

Should have done better after being played in by Will Hughes’ cute flick but was the starting point for many of Watford’s better moments.

Kiko Femenia – 6

The Spaniard was quiet as he played in a right-wing role and a loose touch when he had time to either shoot or pass epitomised his display.

Little surprise to see him replaced by Deulofeu just after the hour.

Will Hughes – 7.5

A constant outlet and set the tone for Watford going forward inside the first minute when flashing a shot wide from range.

A sublime backheel split the Spurs defence in two and sent Doucoure clear on goal, but the Frenchman couldn’t get the ball out of his feet and his shot deflected kindly for Lloris.

Gareth Southgate was in attendance to witness Hughes’ display and, while it may be too late to earn a place on the plane to Russia, the 23-year-old will be hopeful of making a strong England claim next term.

Richarlison – 6.5

Watford Observer:

One of his better recent displays and he drew the best from Lloris with a driven effort at the end of the first half.

An impressive performance was tarnished by a glaring miss in the second half as he volleyed over from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

It is the sort of miss which has arrived at regular intervals for the Brazilian this season and he remains in dire need of a goal.

Andre Gray – 6.5

Did as much as he could on the stretch to work Lloris when played in on goal and managed to impress after being given a rare start.

Linked up well with the midfield and created a first half chance for Richarlison with a well-weighted through ball.

SUBS

Gerard Deulofeu – 7

As lively a cameo as could be expected of a man who hasn’t played in two months as he provided more quality than Femenia.

Unlucky to see a well-taken effort ruled out for offside after failing to beat the offside trap by the finest of margins.

Troy Deeney – 6

Won the back post header which led to Richarlison’s gilt-edge chance and also saw an effort from the edge of the box go over.

Andre Carrillo – 6

Only given a brief cameo to make an impact but did work Lloris with a driven strike from a tight angle.