Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Report

Scorers: Elanga 28’

Red Card: Spence 90+4’

Nottingham Forest extended their remarkable Premier League form with a fourth consecutive victory, edging out Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at the City Ground.

Anthony Elanga’s first-half strike proved decisive, lifting Forest to third in the league table and heaping further pressure on Spurs, who now have four defeats in their last five matches against top-half opposition.

First Half: Forest Take the Lead Against the Run of Play

Tottenham began the game on the front foot, with Son Heung-min testing Matz Sels early from the edge of the box. The South Korean was lively throughout the opening exchanges, but Sels proved up to the task with a series of assured saves.

At the other end, Brennan Johnson posed problems for the visitors with his direct running and pace, forcing Fraser Forster into action.

Despite Spurs’ dominance, it was Forest who found the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Morgan Gibbs-White’s perfectly weighted through ball split the Spurs defence, allowing Anthony Elanga to calmly slot the ball past Forster into the bottom corner.

The goal marked Elanga’s third in as many games, underlining his rich vein of form.

Spurs sought an equaliser before the break, with Sels denying Johnson yet again and Son striking the side-netting from a dangerous free-kick. However, Forest’s disciplined defence ensured they went into HT with their slender lead intact.

Second Half: Forest Hold Firm as Spurs Falter

The early stages of the second half saw Forest emerge as the more threatening side. Gibbs-White had an opportunity to double the hosts’ lead, but Forster came off his line quickly to thwart the attack.

Spurs, desperate to avoid defeat, ramped up their efforts, with Brennan Johnson continuing to shine despite being denied once again by Sels in a one-on-one situation.

As the game became increasingly open, both sides missed chances. Nikola Milenković headed over from a Forest corner, while substitute James Maddison sliced a promising effort wide with his weaker left foot for Spurs.

Despite Tottenham’s late pressure, including a spell of sustained possession in Forest’s half, the home side’s defence, marshalled expertly by Felipe and Murillo, stood resolute.

What This Means

• Nottingham Forest: The victory propels Nuno Espírito Santo’s men to an astonishing third place in the Premier League, capping a festive run of four straight wins. With their defensive solidity and clinical counter-attacking play, Forest continue to surprise this season.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Another missed opportunity leaves Ange Postecoglou’s side languishing in the bottom half of the table. The lack of cutting edge in front of goal and defensive lapses continue to plague Spurs, putting their European qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Next Fixtures

• Nottingham Forest: Forest will look to extend their winning streak with a challenging away trip to Arsenal.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs will aim to bounce back at home against struggling Southampton, hoping to end the year on a high.

Forest’s stunning run of form showcases their ability to compete with the Premier League’s best, while Spurs face pressing questions as their inconsistencies remain glaringly evident.

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Nottm Forest v Spurs, 2024/25 | Premier League