Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur headed into their clash against Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a high, following an impressive victory over Eintracht Frankfurt that secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals. However, their domestic fortunes paint a starkly different picture.
The Lilywhites currently languish in 16th place in the Premier League—one of their lowest league positions in decades—and even a top-10 finish now seems like a distant ambition. In contrast, Nottingham Forest have staged a remarkable turnaround this season and currently sit third in the table, showcasing the kind of successful rebuild Spurs can only hope to emulate.
Tottenham began the match with real intent, with Mathys Tel and Odobert actively driving forward and creating early openings. Despite their energetic start, Spurs failed to capitalise on their chances. Richarlison, in particular, had several opportunities, including multiple free headers and a handful of long-range efforts, but was repeatedly denied, as Spurs’ lack of quality in the final third proved costly. Defensively, they looked disorganised, and it didn’t take long for Forest to punish them.
Elliot Anderson opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, and while Chris Wood found the net twice, only one stood after the other was ruled out. With two goals conceded by the 17th minute, Tottenham’s frustration began to show, epitomised by Cristian Romero’s reckless booking during a chaotic first half.
After the break, Spurs took control of possession and unleashed a barrage of over 20 attempts on Forest’s goal. Despite the attacking intent, their finishing woes continued. Richarlison, who had struggled throughout, managed to pull one back with a well-taken goal, courtesy of a precise cross from Pedro Porro. However, it came far too late to inspire a comeback.
Additional efforts from Spence, Danso, and Sarr also went begging, and even with fresh legs from the bench, Tottenham lacked the clinical edge needed to change the result. On a positive note, the backline stabilised in the second half, preventing Forest from extending their lead, but it wasn’t enough to overturn another frustrating league defeat.
Tottenham Player Ratings
Guglielmo Vicario: 5/10
Not his finest night. Couldn’t do much about the goals as the defence let him down with Kulusevski practically gifting the first, but his distribution was extremely rugged under pressure and never looked fully in command
Cristian Romero: 6/10
Looked rattled early and got himself booked again. Gave away a silly foul that led to the second goal. Not what you expect from a senior figure
Micky van de Ven: 5/10
Rusty and reactive. Didn’t show his usual recovery pace before being hooked at the break. Probably rushed back too soon, needs to show the grit and willingness he showed against Frankfurt
Pedro Porro: 7/10
Easily Spurs’ best player. A menace going forward, and his cross for Richarlison’s goal was world-class. Deserved better from his teammates.
Djed Spence: 6/10
Had moments, especially that late chance, but overall didn’t offer enough in either direction. Feels like the purple patch was short-lived. We need the man of the match Spence, back
Pape Matar Sarr: 6/10
Energy? Yes. End product? Not really. Took a couple of wayward shots but couldn’t influence the tempo like he usually does.
Rodrigo Bentancur: 6/10
A shadow of his usual composed self. Sloppy on the ball and gave away fouls in dumb areas. No control in midfield. The midfield has been the problem of Spurs all season, and this performance just seemed to add more to the growing issue
Dejan Kulusevski: 5/10
Flickers here and there, but kept drifting in and clogging the middle. Had a header blocked but was largely ineffective. Subbed off before he could really spark. Ball hogging once again, an issue we have been witnessing for far too long. Just shoot or pass the ball
Richarlison: 5/10
Absolute stinker of a performance, had the most chances out of anyone on the pitch yet failed to deliver majorly. Fans will be doubting why Ange decided to start the Brazilian instead of Solanke. His goal is to be solely credited to Porro’s amazing delivery. Everton or Saudi, here we go!
Wilson Odobert: 7/10
Grew into the game in patches but looked lightweight and unsure on the ball. One decent assist for Richarlison that he wasted.
Mathys Tel: 6/10
Lively early on. Delivered a good cross for one of Richarlison’s missed headers. His directness was a rare bright spot. The youngster keeps shining even if the team lets him down
Substitutes
Ben Davies: 7/10
The defence really needed his experience, and it showed. It was a far different game in the second half when he arrived. Delivered just what was expected
Kevin Danso: 6/10
Had a decent effort from range but looked out of sync defensively. Needs more time to settle.
Dominic Solanke: 5/10
Barely involved. Spurs didn’t play to his strengths. One tame header aside, he hardly touched the ball. Did manage to physically dominate the forest players
Brennan Johnson: 5/10
Came on to stretch the game but offered little. Still struggling to find his place in this system. Ange should not experiment with the winger as a sub; the Irishman rarely performs
Lucas Bergvall: 7/10
Looked composed and tidy in possession. Won a couple of fouls and wasn’t afraid to demand the ball. Promising cameo.