Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores praised his team's fighting spirit following the 2-1 defeat to what he describes as an awesome Tottenham side.
The Hornets conceded to a clever Son Heung-min flick in the dying minutes of the game after Odion Ighalo had earlier cancelled out Erik Lamela's opener.
The promoted side were made to play with ten men for the final half-hour of the contest after Nathan Ake was sent off in what Flores believes was a positive showing.
"The line separating wins and losses is very thin - one minute we can win the match, one minute later we lost," Watford head coach Flores said.
"I am proud of the players because they fight a lot. They have a very big soul.
"They have amazing desire to play for the fans against a very tough team but the first feeling of course is sad because we are really close to taking one point against an amazing team."