EPL: Tottenham's Top-Four Hopes Fade as Nottingham Forest Secure 1-0 Win

Nottingham Forest moved up to third in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Tottenham, who suffered their sixth defeat in 10 games.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo urged his team to remain grounded despite their impressive rise to third in the Premier League. Anthony Elanga's decisive goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, marking Forest's fourth consecutive win in the top flight – a feat they last achieved in 1995.

The win was particularly sweet for Nuno, who claimed his first victory over Tottenham since being sacked by the club three years ago. The match took a dramatic turn in injury time when former Forest defender Djed Spence received a red card. Nuno's tenure at Tottenham was short-lived, lasting only four months, and his departure in November 2021 was followed by a perceived decline in his reputation in England. However, his current success with Forest has underscored the team's rapid progress under his leadership.

“Significant for us is what we felt at the City Ground, it's beautiful for us to go out in the city and enjoy this moment,” Nuno said when asked about Forest's position in the table. This victory highlights the team's impressive growth, having accumulated more points in half the games compared to their successful survival campaign last season.

Nuno Espirito Santo tempered Nottingham Forest's excitement, emphasizing that despite their impressive form, they have yet to achieve significant success. “The belief is here, but the belief doesn't hide the reality,” he cautioned. “The reality says we haven't achieved nothing yet, and we have two days to recover and rest before competing against Everton. This is the reality.”

Nuno reiterated his confidence in the team's ability to compete, stressing the importance of every player in the squad. “We believe we can compete as long as everybody understands every player in the squad is huge for us,” he said. “The fans should enjoy. Let's enjoy this together.” By fostering a strong team dynamic, Nuno has positioned Forest for continued success.

As the January transfer window approaches, Forest faces the challenge of maintaining their squad's cohesion. The club is wary of disrupting the team's chemistry, which has been instrumental in their success this season. Anthony Elanga's resurgence, marked by a three-game scoring streak, has ended a 10-month goal drought and may attract attention from admirers like Newcastle. Meanwhile, Tottenham continues to struggle, having suffered their sixth defeat in 10 Premier League games, leaving them 11 points adrift of Forest and their former manager.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment with the goal his team conceded, but praised his players' hard work and efforts to create scoring opportunities. “It was a disappointing goal we conceded, but aside from that, the boys worked hard, and we tried to generate as many opportunities as we could, considering the context of the game and how Forest play. We just couldn't get over the line,” Postecoglou said.

The away fans voiced their frustration, chanting “we want Levy out” after Anthony Elanga's 28th-minute winner. Despite dominating possession with almost 70% of the ball, Tottenham lacked a ruthless edge, and their inability to capitalize on their chances will only fuel questions about the team's direction. Former Forest favorite Brennan Johnson tested Matz Sels three times, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

In stark contrast, the atmosphere at the City Ground was jubilant, with Forest fans singing songs about winning the league and giving Nuno a hero's reception as he walked off the pitch. While beating Liverpool to the title may seem ambitious, there is a palpable sense that Forest could achieve something special this season. Nuno played down the expectations, but it is hard to see them faltering, given their sustained form over the past half-season.

Forest's impressive run has seen them beat Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United, while also taking points at Chelsea and Brighton. With upcoming trips to Everton and Wolves, they could remain within touching distance of Liverpool when the leaders visit the City Ground next month. It is exactly a year since Chris Wood scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Newcastle, lifting Forest to 16th place with a five-point cushion over the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest's impressive form has earned them a five-point lead over fifth-placed Newcastle, a testament to Nuno's meticulous work and planning since taking over from Steve Cooper a year ago.

Ange Postecoglou's post-match press conference was notably brief, lasting only 130 seconds. The Tottenham manager swiftly arrived at the City Ground's press room, catching some writers off guard. When asked about the game, Postecoglou's response was devoid of Christmas cheer, reflecting on a sixth defeat in 10 games that left Tottenham 11th and 10 points adrift of the top four.

Despite dominating possession and creating chances – including three opportunities thwarted by Matz Sels from Brennan Johnson – Tottenham ultimately fell short. Postecoglou seemed satisfied with his team's efforts, but the visitors' inability to stretch Forest and the ineffectiveness of £60m striker Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min proved costly. The Spurs manager acknowledged that his team did many things right but lacked the cutting edge when it mattered most.