Nottingham Forest reclaimed third place in the Premier League as they secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Nottingham Forest flew into the lead as Elliot Anderson struck inside six minutes, and though Chris Wood was initially denied a second due to offside, the striker nodded home just minutes later to make it 2-0 to the Reds after only 16 minutes, giving them complete control of the match at the break.
Tottenham unsurprisingly dominated possession as Nottingham Forest focused on defending their lead throughout the second half, but aside from Harry Toffolo's sensational goal-line clearance and a late header from Richarlison to make for a nervy ending, the Reds remained largely untroubled and held on to their lead to secure all three points and climb back to third in the standings.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Few would have predicted at the start of the season that Nottingham Forest would be competing for a Champions League spot and Tottenham would be languishing in the bottom half at this stage, but today perfectly showcased why these teams occupy their current positions.
Nuno Espirito Santo's men were simply far too good for Ange Postecoglou's side, especially in the opening stages, as the Reds elegantly picked Spurs apart with virtually every attacking opportunity, and they were certainly rewarded for their efforts as they took a 2-0 lead after only 16 minutes.
That rapid start enabled Forest to revert to their usual defensive tactics, and while Tottenham did create a handful of chances, a real lack of attacking quality at the final moment - other than for Richarlison's headed goal - meant Spurs were unable to get their way back into the match.
Postecoglou's half-time changes - swapping both of his central defenders - clearly suggests that his focus lies on their upcoming Europa League semi-final, but a dismal performance today will certainly dent their confidence heading into that tie.
There appears to be a real lack of physicality, quality, desire and belief from this Tottenham team at times, and Postecoglou will have to improve their morale before their semi-final if the manager is to have any chance of retaining his job in North London, with a Europa League trophy likely required to secure his future.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST HIGHLIGHTS
Elliot Anderson goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (5th min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Nottingham Forest)
Forest have an early lead!
Anthony Elanga's corner fails to beat the first man, but Pedro Porro's headed clearance is a poor one, falling to Anderson just outside the Tottenham penalty area.
The midfielder connects brilliantly with the ball, and his strike deflects off Rodrigo Bentancur, bounces in front of Guglielmo Vicario and sails over the keeper's hands into the top corner.
Chris Wood goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (17th min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-2 Nottingham Forest)
Wood will not be denied this time!
Elanga has the ball on the left wing and is given time to cut onto his right foot and whip a cross into the centre of the Spurs box, where Wood has positioned himself between the two central defenders.
Vicario attempts to come out and claim the cross, but Wood comfortably beats him to the ball, heading into the empty net and doubling Forest's lead.
Richarlison goal vs. Nottingham Forest (87th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Nottingham Forest)
Richarlison pulls one back for Tottenham!
Spurs continue searching for a way back into the match, moving the ball wide to Porro on the right wing, and the full-back wastes no time in delivering into the box.
The Spaniard's cross finds Richarlison, who expertly directs his header into the far left corner and out of reach of Matz Sels! Do Spurs have time for an equaliser?
MAN OF THE MATCH - ELLIOT ANDERSON
© Imago
Anderson has been an unsung hero at times for Nottingham Forest this season, and the midfielder delivered yet another wonderful performance in the heart of the pitch tonight.
Anderson scored the first for Forest, with the help of a slight deflection, and was unlucky to not grab an assist after Wood was marginally offside, while he also made an impressive eight passes into the final third.
The midfielder is not just a phenomenon in possession, also winning the most duels in the match with 12, making one interception and one tackle and an impressive seven recoveries.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST MATCH STATS
Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 70%-30% Nottingham Forest
Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 22-4 Nottingham Forest
Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 Nottingham Forest
Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 7-1 Nottingham Forest
Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 11-12 Nottingham Forest
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Tottenham's attention may well be on their upcoming Europa League semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt, but Spurs must first contend with a challenging matchup against Liverpool in the Premier League next weekend.
As for Nottingham Forest, their hunt for a Champions League place through the Premier League will take a brief pause next weekend, as Espirito Santo's men will travel to Wembley Stadium to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
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