With a numerical disadvantage, Tottenham thwarted Nottingham Forest, dealing them their fifth Premier League loss in six games and reinforcing their pursuit of a top-four spot at the City Ground.
Richarlison’s third goal in two games propelled Spurs forward, and the exceptional Dejan Kulusevski secured victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side. The challenge intensified as Yves Bissouma received a red card in the 70th minute.
This outcome propels fifth-placed Tottenham to level points with Manchester City, albeit the champions having played one game fewer.
Forest, currently positioned 16th in the table with a five-point buffer from the relegation zone, have secured only one victory in their last 13 English top-flight matches. The result of this contest is expected to heighten the pressure on manager Steve Cooper.
While his team displayed moments of effort, they struggled with composure and quality in the final third, a contrast to the visitors who showcased clinical prowess in crucial moments.
Dominating much of the first period, Spurs suffered a setback with Brennan Johnson’s head injury. Nonetheless, they deservedly took the lead just before half-time as Brazilian forward Richarlison headed in a superb cross from Kulusevski on the right.
Commencing the second half with promise, the hosts saw Willy Boly miss a prime opportunity to level, as he blazed over from just inside the visitors’ penalty area.
Just before the hour mark, Cooper’s side believed they had equalized, but the video assistant referee correctly ruled Anthony Elanga offside before he swept in Neco Williams’ cross. The fate of Forest was further sealed by two errors from goalkeeper Matt Turner, passing a clearance to Kulusevski and succumbing to the Sweden winger’s powerful drive at the near post.
Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s reaction save from Harry Toffolo’s point-blank header, coupled with a miscommunication moment between Elanga and the Forest left-wing back, encapsulated an unproductive evening for the hosts in the final third.
Kulusevski takes center stage on a challenging night for Cooper
While Son Heung-min shone in Spurs’ victory over Newcastle last Sunday, it was Kulusevski who stole the spotlight at the City Ground.
Constantly threatening, the former Juventus player excelled after shifting to the right flank when Johnson exited due to a head injury following a clash with Boly, his former teammate. Kulusevski’s precise delivery set up Richarlison’s opener, leaving Turner stranded and offering the Brazilian a straightforward chance to score in consecutive games for the first time as a Tottenham player.
Just when Forest seemed to be mounting a comeback, Kulusevski secured the goal his performance warranted, skillfully maneuvering past Niakhate and emphatically beating Turner to provide his team with a valuable cushion.
With captain Son set to feature in the Asian Cup in January, Kulusevski’s current form, along with Richarlison’s impressive display, comes at an opportune time.
“He [Dejan Kulusevski] has been great for us all year. He started in the middle for us today, looked dangerous, then when Brennan [Johnson] went off, he went back out wide and had the quality of delivery,” said Postecoglou.
However, the impending four-match suspension for Bissouma, who received his second red card of the season for a high tackle on Ryan Yates, might dampen the mood for Postecoglou.
Despite the strong support from Forest fans evident during Cooper’s entrance, their next home game against Bournemouth on December 23 gains added significance as the manager aims to maintain the confidence of owner Evangelos Marinakis.
