Watford advanced to the quarter-finals after a 4-2 win over Spurs in a match that swung dramatically due to discipline and moments of quality. Spurs conceded early: Nickson Okosun opened the scoring for Watford in the 9th minute, and Amin Nabizada doubled the lead before the 20-minute mark with a curling effort.
Spurs fought back through Reiss Elliott-Parris, who capitalised on a defensive error to halve the deficit just after. But just before half-time, Spurs’ Malachi Hardy was sent off for a second yellow, making things difficult. Directly after the break, Spurs lost another player when Elliott-Parris was shown a straight red, leaving them with nine men. Watford punished this further: Nabizada converted a penalty to make it 3-1.
Tottenham managed another goal through Tye Hall from a Harry Byrne free-kick in the 72nd, adding a glimmer of hope. However, Watford sealed the win with a late goal; a shot from Max Smith deflected off a defender and found its way in via the far post.
