'Team and fans fantastic' - Dele, Wimmer, Kane and Trippier react to Hornets victory

Dele Alli highlighted teamwork as the key to our big win at Watford on New Year’s Day – and Kevin Wimmer, Harry Kane and Kieran Trippier had similar sentiments as they joined the England midfielder to reflect on the game.

Defenders Kevin and Kieran came into the starting line-up at Vicarage Road in place of the suspended Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker and both put on impressive performances, with Kieran supplying the assists for Harry’s two goals in the first period.

Harry then turned provider for Dele as he netted either side of the break to put us out of sight, with a scrambled stoppage-time effort from our former defender Younes Kaboul all the home side had to cheer at the full-time whistle.

Dele echoed the comments of manager Mauricio Pochettino after the game, insisting everyone in our side played their part very well. Here’s the post-match reaction from inside the changing room…

Dele Alli

On his brace
“It’s always nice to get the goals but I think the most important thing today is that we got the win. We’ve started the year off well and continued our good form. It was great, a fantastic result. The fans were fantastic today, they never stopped singing and it was great that we could repay them and start the year with a win.”

On our ruthless attacking
“We’ve got some fantastic players in this team and everyone works hard for each other which is important – not only in our attacking, we all work hard defensively as well. The manager has got that into us and no-one takes anything for granted. When you’re in this team you know you’re going to get chances and it’s just down to you to put them away.”

On being back in the top four
“It’s always nice to be up there in the top four and we want to keep building on it and get even higher up the league. The fans deserve it, they’ve been fantastic all season and we’re going to keep fighting for them.”

On the statement made with consecutive 4-1 away wins
“We’re in good form and we’ve got good confidence. It’s a good atmosphere in the changing room and this is an important win for us and for our mentality going into the next match because it’s a massive game for us and it’s important that we win it.”

Kevin Wimmer

On the outcome at Watford
“It’s a great way to start the New Year. It’s a difficult ground to come to but we started well. We said before the game that it was an important game and we needed the three points. We did very well, especially in the second half when we kept going and scored the fourth immediately, then we kept possession. We dominated the 90 minutes and can be very happy with the performance. The fans and the support was amazing, it felt like a home game. Especially for me, it’s a nice feeling to win this game and start the year like this.”

On squad strength
“The mentality in the squad is very good. Everybody likes each other very well and we always have fun together in training. Of course there are some players who play more regularly than some other ones but there are so many games that you always know that you have to be ready. Today, it was Trips and me and we gave our best – I think it was a very good game from the whole team and the whole squad. It’s not just the starting XI – we all have a great mentality. I like all the players, we always have fun together and that’s the most important thing because if you’re enjoying your football then you will play well. You can have a laugh with everybody and it’s a nice feeling to be part of this team.”

Harry Kane

On back-to-back away victories
“Any away game in the Premier League is difficult, especially over the busy Christmas period, so to win 4-1 in both games (Southampton and Watford) is a bit of a luxury but we’re not getting carried away. We know there’s plenty more games to play, we’ve reached the half-way mark of the season now, we’re in good shape and we’ve just got to keep it going.”

Kieran Trippier

On our start to the game
“In the end it was comfortable but they made it difficult for us in the first 15 minutes when they came out and pressed. We stuck to our task and the first goal helped us, then the quick second goal killed the game a little bit and to go in at half-time 3-0 up was a good situation for us. We knew that they’d try to make it difficult in the second half so we’re just happy that we got the three points.”

On his own impact
“Whenever I’m called upon I try to do my best for the team and if that’s setting up goals or trying to stop them going into our net then I’ll do that. I was happy with the team performance today and we move on to Wednesday now.”