Premier League GW17 - Nottm Forest vs Tottenham

Nottm Forest vs Tottenham | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest faced off in a crucial Premier League match at the City Ground, with both sides looking to leave their mark. Spurs, riding high after a recent victory, wanted to go up the league ladder while Forest, facing the possibility of relegation, needed a vital victory. Everything was in place for a dramatic meeting.

Nottm Forest:

Since they would be moving a step closer to the relegation zone—which they are now five points clear of in 16th place—a scalp here would help ease some of the pressure that has been building on Steve Cooper in recent weeks. Although Forest has had trouble lately, they were able to snap a four-game losing streak, which included a crushing 5-0 loss away at Fulham, with a 1-1 draw against Wolves last time out. In fact, they have only won once in their last 12 games (D5 L6), and that victory came at home against Aston Villa.

Tottenham:

Spurs, however, ended their own five-game losing streak on Sunday by defeating Newcastle United 4-1, which was much-needed. Ange Postecoglou's team created an unfavorable record during that run of winning none of their five straight games despite scoring first. They'll be hoping to build on their triumph from the previous weekend with this one. If they take three points, they'll tie Manchester City, who are in fourth place, on points.

Starting XI:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST STARTING XI (3-5-2):

Matt Turner; Willy Boly, Murillo, Moussa Niakhate; Neco Williams, Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala, Cheikhou Kouyate, Harry Toffolo; Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST SUBS: Nicolas Dominguez, Chris Wood, Andrew Omobamidele, Danilo, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Divock Origi, Ola Aina, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Gonzalo Montiel.

TOTTENHAM STARTING XI (4-2-3-1):

Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie; Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma; Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-Min; Richarlison.

TOTTENHAM SUBS: Fraser Forster, Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington, Eric Dier, Alejo Veliz, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil.

City Ground Stadium | Picture Credits: Nottm Forest Website

First Half: Late Drama Unleashes Spurs' Dominance

Spurs' aggressive intent was evident in the opening moments. Romero's deft through pass to Sarr created a one-on-one opportunity for Son, but Turner of Forest skillfully stopped it. Turner blocked Johnson's effort and then stopped Elanga's close-range attempt as the hosts reacted tenaciously.

Johnson was hurt in the 29th minute when mayhem broke out in the Spurs' box. Just before halftime, Tottenham scored in spite of Forest's threats. An exquisite free-kick resulted in a precise cross from Kulusevski in the forty-fiveth minute plus two. With pinpoint accuracy, Richarlison headed the ball into the net as he leaped over the defense. Forest was behind at the half as Spurs took a 1-0 lead.

Second Half: VAR Drama and Kulusevski's Brilliance

As the second half progressed, Forest was determined to fight back. Elanga appeared to equalize in the 58th minute as they fired a shot past Vicario. But VAR stepped in and declared the goal offside, keeping Spurs ahead.

Tottenham increased their advantage even though Bissouma's red card left them down to 10 men. Kulusevski took advantage of a gift from Turner in the 65th minute, putting the ball in the net. Steve Cooper, the manager of Forest, was under increasing pressure.

With the game coming to an end, Forest kept pushing forward. Vicario, the Spurs goalkeeper, showed off his skill by making vital save to stop Williams and Toffolo. When Williams' shot rattled the post in the final seconds, Forest's dreams struck the woodwork.

The ten-man Spurs won 2-0, their second straight triumph, as the final whistle sounded. Kulusevski's cool finish and Richarlison's header in the first half sealed the vital three points. With the loss, Forest's winless run now stands at six games, adding to their problems.

Spurs Surge, Forest Struggle

Spurs' comeback continued, taking them equal on points with Manchester City in fifth place. Spurs' perseverance in the face of a numerical deficit demonstrated their resolve under Postecoglou's guidance. As they work to maintain their Premier League standing, Forest is under increasing pressure.

Forest's struggle to survive gets more intense with a difficult match against Bournemouth, while Spurs focus on a match against Everton. An intense match at the City Ground demonstrated the drama and unpredictable nature of the Premier League. Until we meet again, bye!

Richarlison scored right before the half time and gave Tottenham a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Kulusevski's goal gave Tottenham a 2-0 lead in the second half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website