Watch: Lloris rescues Spurs with excellent one-handed save

Tottenham started the New Year with a hard-thought 1-0 win at Watford thanks to Davinson Sanchez’s late winner – but they also had Hugo Lloris to thank after his stunning second-half save.

Spurs travelled to Vicarage Road looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s draw at Southampton but seemed set for a further frustration against their lowly opponents.

Despite dictating most of the play, Antonio Conte’s side were unable to make the breakthrough and needed their goalkeeper to make an excellent save to keep the scores level.

Former Manchester United striker Josh King thought he’d given Watford an unlikely lead after curling an excellent effort toward the bottom corner.

But Spurs captain Lloris kept him out after diving at full stretch to tip King’s shot wide of the post.

Conte was full of praise for his goalkeeper after the game. “You can see the level of the keeper in these circumstances, when for the whole game he didn’t make a save but he continued to be focused with the team, for me it is very important because when I speak with the team, the link and connection with the keeper and the team is very important,” he said.

“It is important especially when you defend high with the defensive line, the keeper has to follow the game and not only to stay on the line, on the goal to make saves.”

Lloris’ contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he can talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer in the summer, but the Spurs manager wants a deal to be struck.

“Hugo today showed that he is at the top and he is always focused and for us he is very important and I am sure that in the short time they can find a solution in the club because he loves Tottenham and Tottenham loves him,” Conte added.

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