Tottenham went third on the Premier League table courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Monday.
Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs found a late winner through Son Heung-min to down the ten-man Hornets who were unbeaten in their five previous outings.
Erik Lamela scored the opening goal in the 17th minute with a smart finish from the edge of the area before Odion Ighalo extended his scoring streak to six matches when out-muscling Eric Dier before turning the Spurs defender and firing past Hugo Lloris for his 14th of the season.
Watford lost left-back Nathan Ake to a red card for a high challenge on Lamela in the 63rd minute before substitute Son produced a clever backheel through the legs of Heurelho Gomes from Kieran Trippier's cross.
The win was Tottenham's third on the trot which has them four points behind leaders Arsenal as Quique Sanchez Flores' Watford fell to eighth with just their sixth defeat of the campaign.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Watford: 1 (Odion Ighalo 41', red card: Nathan Ake 63')
Tottenham: 2 (Erik Lamela 17', Son Heung-min 88')
Vicarage Road, Watford - 20,730
TALKING POINTS
- Just a blip for Watford who may have come away with a result had they had 11 men. Is Ighalo the most in-form player in the league at the moment?
- Are Spurs a serious title chance? Pochettino has a confident young group together who are extremely tough to beat and could have their say in the New Year.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Watford host Manchester City on Saturday as Tottenham get ready to travel to Everton on Sunday.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Win lose or draw I always say thank you without fans we don't lead the life's we do as players https://t.co/OOXY6B2uWL
— Troy Deeney (@T_Deeney) December 28, 2015Great way to end 2015! 3 wins on the bounce!The emotions of a last minute winner are unbelievable as u can see!#COYSpic.twitter.com/CQZFNY5AN4
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 28, 2015What a way to finish the year! 3️ points more and we go...
#COYS#THFCpic.twitter.com/sfpBn5sX4H
— Erik Manuel Lamela (@ErikLamela) December 28, 2015
QUOTES CORNER
Watfordboss Flores on his side's display:
"It was a tough match and the circumstances were difficult
"We still had a chance to win the game near the end and I am proud of the performance of my players.
"We are disappointed with the result, but it is clear that this team has amazing soul."
Tottenham's Pochettino on his side's premiership hopes:
"Can we win the title? The numbers reflect that it is possible but the most important thing for us is to try to keep inside our thoughts, try to win every game and to keep working hard.
"We are very young, the youngest squad in the Premier League, and you need to show your strengths in all the league."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
+18 - Currently Tottenham have the best goal difference in the Premier League this season. Contenders.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 201530 - Odion Ighalo has scored more league goals in 2015 than any other player in England's top four tiers. Peerless.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 2015