Tottenham’s league position means nothing yet, Nuno Espirito Santo insists
Spurs have won their opening three matches.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo insists his side’s position at the top of the Premier League “doesn’t mean anything”.
Spurs made it three wins from three with a 1-0 victory over Watford as Nuno became the first boss to win his first three league games at the club since Arthur Rowe in 1949.
All three games have been won by a 1-0 scoreline and there is early-season optimism that they could challenge for the top four this season.
Nuno, who joined after leaving Wolves at the end of last season, is not getting carried away.
“That doesn’t mean anything at all, that doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “I invite everybody, not only the players but our fans, to not pay attention to that. Don’t pay attention to that.
“Let’s keep on working, we still have a long way and a lot of aspects to improve on.”
There are clear improvements already from last season as a flimsy defence has turned into a history-making one as for the first time ever Spurs have opened the season with three clean sheets.
Nuno added: “That’s the beginning of everything. Always said the shape, organisation, being solid and compact because we have talent.
“Being consistent is what we are focused on and we have to keep on going.
“Today we controlled very well the deep, Watford was clearly trying to make us go higher on our lines to play on our backs.
“The back four controlled very well. But at the same time, the second balls, we need to be anticipating that part of our game. Something we have to improve.
“Well done, we keep on going. Now the players go (on international duty), we’ll stay, we’ll look, we’ll work with the players who are going to stay and try to make better for the next one.”
Watford handed a debut to Moussa Sissoko less than 48 hours after joining from Spurs, who were surprised he was selected.
The Hornets registered the France international before the 12pm deadline on Friday even though the deal was not completed until later that day.
He was thrown straight in ahead of Tom Cleverley.
Boss Xisco Munoz said: “He gave a very good performance.
“For me it was a tough decision to take Tom Cleverley out of the team, he is the captain and very important for me. It was very tough but he is a very good professional, but I think about the group.”
Defender Craig Cathcart limped off during the second half with what looked like a knee injury, but Munoz added: “We will see what happens, the doctor has not given me the results. I hope it is not a serious injury.”