Watford fell to a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Tottenham Hotspur following a 2-2 draw in the Carabao Cup at Stadium MK.

Isaac Success looked to have given Watford safe passage to the last 16 with a well-take finish just 34 seconds into the second half.

However, a last man foul from Christian Kabasele, which saw the substitute sent off, allowed Dele Alli to level from the spot nine minutes from time.

Spurs were ahead five minutes later when Erik Lamela finished off a sweeping counter-attack, but there was still time for Etienne Capoue to take the game to penalties with a deflected strike.

Capoue and Domingos Quina both saw their spot kicks saved by Paolo Gazzaniga and Alli scored from 12 yards to send Watford out.

Here’s how the Hornets rated in Milton Keynes.

Heurelho Gomes – 6.5

Commanded his area well and made some good first half stops on his 150th Watford outing.

Unlucky not to keep Alli’s decisive penalty as he got a hand to the ball but could do little to deny Spurs’ other spot kicks, which were of the highest order.

Marc Navarro – 5.5

Got forward gamely but the right-back’s inability to turn down a shooting chance wasted a number of strong positions for Watford.

Must look to simplify his game if he is to get regular game time, shooting from 30 yards on any given opportunity is not what is demanded of a full-back.

Adrian Mariappa – 7

Made some superb blocks in the second half as Watford battled hard to keep Spurs at bay and was a typically committed presence at the heart of the Hornets’ defence.

Craig Cathcart – 7

The only member of the starting XI from the Premier League draw at Fulham and Cathcart did well to shackle the Spurs attack, making some key interventions in the first half in particular.

Adam Masina – 6

Looked to join attacks where possible but his final ball was often found wanting and looks a long way off pushing Jose Holebas out of the first choice Watford side.

Kiko Femenia – 7.5

Energetic and incisive, the Spaniard is well suited to a role further up the pitch and was the main point of attack for Watford in the first half.

Provided an out ball for those in midfield and put in some dangerous crosses.

Ben Wilmot – 7.5

One for the future who looks as though he could make an impression in the here and now. Wilmot once again played in central midfield and read the game superbly.

The teenager’s ability to get himself in the right place defensively was key at one point in the second half when he cleared from under his own bar.

Nathaniel Chalobah – 7

More minutes in the tank for the fit-again midfielder and Chalobah was tight in possession without setting the game the alight.

Domingos Quina – 7

So unfortunate that the youngster saw his penalty kick saved to allow Alli the chance to win the tie for Spurs, but at 18 he deserves great credit for showing the bottle to step up anyway.

Competed well against more experienced midfielders during the 90 minutes and showed some skilful touches on the ball.

Ken Sema – 6.5

Missed a glorious chance to put Watford two up when swiping through thin air on the volley when the goal was his mercy.

Ran tirelessly but the wide man’s end product was often found wanting.

Isaac Success – 8

The Nigerian again led the line with maturity and end product as he held the ball up well and scored a well-taken opener.

Looks a different player from the one who has struggled on and off the pitch in the past and his strength could be a real asset for the Hornets going forward.

SUBS

Will Hughes – 6

A well taken penalty in the shootout aside, Hughes had little impact on the evening after coming on in the 68th minute.

Christian Kabasele – 5.5

Brought on for the flagging Navarro and quickly conceded the penalty to hand Spurs a route back into the game.

The red card was harsh considering he made a play for the ball and the new double jeopardy rules referee Lee Mason opted to ignore.

However, Kabasele’s impact was undoubtedly a negative one.

Etienne Capoue – 6

Scored the all-important leveller before seeing a poor penalty saved to hand the home side the advantage in the shootout.