Tottenham still have just two Premier League wins from their last seven after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ange Postecoglou welcomed Rodrigo Bentancur back into his starting XI with Destiny Udogie returning from injury to replace Pedro Porro with Djed Spence moving to right-back.
Brennan Johnson went close twice against his former club in the opening 45 minutes but was denied by Mats Sels on both occasions. Later on, Anthony Elanga gave Forest the lead on the counter as he met Morgan Gibbs-White's through ball with a smart first-time finish beyond Fraser Forster.
Son Heung-min sent a free-kick narrowly wide before the interval with Johnson, in the second half, again seeing a close-range effort saved by Sels after some excellent footwork in a tight space. Spurs showed glimpses of their attacking flair but Forest, as one of the best defences in the Premier League, showed their qualities at the back.
Tottenham's woes were compounded as Djed Spence was sent off for a second bookable offence on his return to the City Ground. With that being said, it is a quick turnaround for Spurs and some of the other teams still pushing for a top four spot and football.london has compared the fixtures awaiting those sides.
Tottenham's next five Premier League games
December 29 vs Wolves (H) at 3pm - Premier League
January 4 vs Newcastle (H) at 12.30pm - Premier League
January 15 vs Arsenal (A) at 8pm - Premier League
January 19 vs Everton (A) at 2pm - Premier League
January 26 vs Leicester City (H) at 2pm - Premier League
Verdict:
Tottenham will play three of their next five Premier League games on home soil. Just three days on from facing Nottingham Forest, Spurs welcome Wolves to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their final game of 2024.
To kick off the new year, Newcastle are the next visitors to north London with Eddie Howe's side in great form and looking to do the double over Spurs. A North London Derby under the Emirates Stadium lights against Arsenal then follows after the FA Cup third round tie with Tamworth.
Following that, the Lilywhites will fancy their chances to take home six points as they face Everton and Leicester. The clash against the former however, will certainly be a huge challenge given Sean Dyche's side have not lost at Goodison Park in the league since August.
Manchester City's next five Premier League games
December 29 vs Leicester City (A) at 2.30pm - Premier League
January 4 vs West Ham (H) at 3pm - Premier League
January 14 vs Brentford (A) at 7.30pm - Premier League
January 19 vs Ipswich Town (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
January 25 vs Chelsea (H) at 5.30pm - Premier League
Aston Villa's next five Premier League games
December 30 vs Brighton (H) at 7.45pm - Premier League
January 4 vs Leicester City (H) at 3pm - Premier League
January 15 vs Everton (A) at 7.30pm - Premier League
January 18 vs Arsenal (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
January 26 vs West Ham (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
Manchester United's next five Premier League games
December 26 vs Wolves (A) at 5.30pm - Premier League
December 30 vs Newcastle (H) at 8pm - Premier League
January 5 vs Liverpool (A) at 4.30pm - Premier League
January 16 vs Southampton (H) at 8pm - Premier League
January 19 vs Brighton (H) at 2pm - Premier League