SPURS MUST SIGN A NEW GOALKEEPER IN JANUARY AFTER INDEFENSIBLE DISPLAY
Thomas Frank has a lengthy list of problems to solve at Tottenham Hotspur and his first priority must be to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window.
The performances of Guglielmo Vicario are now a genuine concern, and his two mistakes at the City Ground ensured it was another chastening afternoon for Frank.
Vicario was arguably at fault for Nottingham Forest’s first two goals and, while Frank criticised his own fans for booing the Italian after his error against Fulham last month, this was indefensible.
Frank had insisted the comments from those supporters were “completely unacceptable”, adding that they “can’t be true Tottenham fans” for turning on the £17m signing from Empoli. Vicario has emerged as a potential target for Inter Milan next month and Tottenham should pursue any opportunity they can to find a new No 1.
There was another uncomfortable moment for Frank when Djed Spence appeared to question why he was substituted in the second half. Spence has already drawn attention for his behaviour this season after seemingly ignoring Frank as he left the field after the home defeat by Chelsea.
While Tottenham’s season continues to prove maddeningly inconsistent, this was a deserved victory for Forest who do not appear remotely like relegation candidates on this evidence.
Forest returned from Europa League duty only in the early hours of Friday morning but were superior to Tottenham in every department. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s double and a brilliant long-range strike from Ibrahim Sangaré lifted Forest five points above the relegation zone and eased Sean Dyche’s headaches over a lengthy injury list.
Chris Wood, Matz Sels, Ola Aina, Nico Domínguez and Ryan Yates were all absent here as Forest attempt to navigate their way through a congested fixture schedule.
Forest still had too much for a desperately poor Tottenham, and this was a display far away from the stereotype of ‘Dyche-Ball’ and the sneering put-downs of a rigid 4-4-2 and long balls.
“It was probably our best performance [since his appointment in October] and we’ve made a lot of very good decisions,” said Dyche. “It’s quite obviously a challenge with so many games and injuries and all that, but you’ve got to find enjoyment from it. The collective mental attitude here has been fantastic since we came in. Everyone is responding to what we’re trying to offer them, because without that, you can’t do [anything] as a manager.
“One game like that doesn’t solve everything, but there are clear signs.”
Forest’s home form proved vital in lifting them to safety in their first season back in the Premier League, and will be equally crucial in this campaign.
This performance hinted at a bright future under Dyche, who is the club’s third manager of the season after Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.
Forest were impressive from the start but received an early festive present in the 28th minute from Vicario, who must now come under further scrutiny. Though Frank later absolved him of any blame, it was Vicario’s poor pass which put Archie Gray in danger inside the Tottenham penalty area. Sangaré dispossessed Gray before laying on a simple finish for Hudson-Odoi. There was no pressure on Vicario, who had time to pick a better option, but Frank appeared to suggest that it was Gray at fault.
Tottenham only recorded one shot on target all afternoon with Gray forcing a fine save from John Victor, the Forest goalkeeper making his league debut in place of the injured Sels.
Vicario was again under fire early in the second half as Hudson-Odoi’s cross from the left looped over him. On this occasion it was Vicario’s positioning at fault as he was standing a few yards off his goal-line.
There was nothing Vicario could do about Forest’s third goal 11 minutes from time, with Sangaré crashing in a 22-yard shot off the post. Sangaré was outstanding for Forest and will be missed by Dyche now the midfielder is departing for the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
While that is an issue Dyche will need to address, the problems are piling up for Frank. When he said it would not be a quick fix, he was absolutely right.
There’s no quick fix to revive ‘very bad’ Spurs, says Frank
Thomas Frank has warned that reviving Tottenham will be no “quick fix” after another stark reminder of the huge task ahead of him.
Frank admitted he was deeply frustrated with a woeful performance from his players at the City Ground, which included another worryingly poor display from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Tottenham are now 11th in the Premier League and, despite successive victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague, were easily swatted aside by Nottingham Forest.
Frank was appointed in June as the replacement for Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked by the club after winning the Europa League, and is still waiting for lift-off.
When asked if he expected to be given enough time by the club’s board, he said: “I can’t see why not. I think it’s pretty evident that if no one gets the time, no one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix.
“I think I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it’s deeply frustrating that we are not doing better today after three good performances.
“It is extremely important to be calm and measured and, of course, have very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they’re not in doubt of what I think, because I’m very honest about where we are as well.
“Today was a very bad performance. No two ways about that, but also know that to change this, this will take some time.
“No one will want to hear about that. It’s just reality. I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it’s fair to say there’s been a few not too consistent performances, and that’s the thing.”
Frank admitted he will review the incident involving Djed Spence, who reacted badly to his substitution in the second half.
Spence has already clashed with his new head coach this season and hurled his training jacket to the floor as he walked to the dug-out.
Frank said: “Of course I will look back to be aware of it. I think there can be three reasons: he can be disappointed with his own performance, the team’s performance, he can be disappointed with being subbed off. I’ll ask him about that, but I didn’t see it [at the time].”
Frank also confirmed that the future of assistant first-team coach Matt Wells is uncertain, with Colorado Rapids targeting him as manager. An announcement on his departure is expected in the next 48 hours.
Pedro Porro talking to Sky Sports
“The away fans do not deserve this. Today this was a bad game from us. Now we are focusing on the next game. Every game is difficult in the Premier League. We can play on Tuesday and win in the Champions League but in the Premier League it is different. Maybe more intensity, I do not know. But I feel especially sorry for the fans. The fans do not deserve this today.”
Sean Dyche speaking after the game
“I thought the boys were outstanding from start to finish. Our shape was good, our pressing was good, recovery lines, so much we see as managers and coaches. And then the good stuff looked after itself. We know we have got talented players here, who want the freedom to play. But we need the framework to be right and it was today without a doubt.
“In your mind’s eye, when you take over, that is where you want to get to. They are looking fitter, stronger, the way I like players fit, also showed some quality. Run, run and then we run again. It is not rocket science. Get players fit, in my world. Shape, organisation. Because if they have got talent, which I believe these have, it is building on the basics.”
Important three points
That win for Nottingham Forest, coupled with West Ham’s defeat to Aston Villa, lifts Sean Dyche’s side five points now above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile the defeat for Tottenham leaves Thomas Frank’s men in 11th.
Post-match thoughts of Mohammed Kudus
“Not good enough. A very disappointing result. We did not create enough today, including myself. We need more effort in our all-round game. To win a game in the Premier League is very difficult. We need the same input every single day. We lacked that. We needed to do more.
“The final quality, including myself, some of the decisions we took today was a bit in a rush. We need to pick it up and focus on the next game. It happens. For me I am really glad he [Archie Gray] wants to get on the ball. That is how we want to play, players who want to be on the ball. I am very happy to see after the mistake he still wanted to get on the ball.”
Former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid on Sky Sports
“It was a worrying performance from Spurs. There were just starting to be some signs of a recovery with Thomas Frank looking like he was starting to impress himself on the club and this team. But they have turned in a performance like this where they have not got going and not shown any desire. The body language did not look good at all.
“Nottingham Forest have ran over the top of them and played better than them in every area of the game. Man for man, they were fitter and they have been better all over the pitch. Spurs got what they deserved from the game, which was nothing.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi speaking to Sky Sports
“As a forward you want to be contributing as much as possible. It has been hard for me recently, but I am happy today. Our mentality from the start was go, go, go. 100%. From start to finish every single person was working their socks off. You can tell we wanted it. I am delighted, it has been a while. I am happy to get a couple today and hopefully it keeps flowing from now on. Today was an outstanding performance from start to finish.”
Was it a shot or a cross for his second goal?:
“Haha, I know what you are going to ask me, it is a mix of both! Cross/shot, and it went in perfectly, haha! You can see the connections are building more and more. We are improving every time we step out onto the pitch. We are enjoying our football.”
Tottenham’s next five games
December 20: Tottenham vs Liverpool
December 28: Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
January 1: Brentford vs Tottenham
January 4: Tottenham vs Sunderland
January 7: Bournemouth vs Tottenham
Nottingham Forest’s next five matches
December 22: Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
December 27: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
December 30: Nottingham Forest vs Everton
January 3: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
January 6: West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
Results in the 2pm games
Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 3
Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
FT stats
Possession: Nottingham Forest 48%-52% Tottenham
Shots: 15-6
Shots on target: 6-1
Corners: 3-3
Touches in opposition box: 24-13
Full time
A concerning moment late on for the hosts as Anderson is down in some pain after a challenge from Simons. He does get back to his feet but is still moving gingerly.
There is the final whistle and Nottingham Forest have cruised to an emphatic 3-0 win courtesy of goals from Sangare and a double from Hudson-Odoi, Sangare’s being a stunner. Forest have been great today whereas Tottenham have been awful.
90+3 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
The Forest fans probably do not want this game to end, the complete opposite feeling for the travelling Tottenham fans.
90+2 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
Hudson-Odoi is given a standing ovation from the home fans as he heads off to be replaced by Ndoye. A fine day’s work for Hudson-Odoi with two goals and an assist to his name.
90 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
There will be five added minutes. The Tottenham players and fans will probably be keen to get back on their way to north London as soon as possible.
88 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
Gibbs-White’s free-kick is saved by Vicario but the Tottenham keeper’s parry comes back out to Hutchinson, who cuts back onto his left and shoots but his effort is saved by Vicario.
86 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
It is not an exaggeration to say that Tottenham have been dreadful today and Forest are fully deserving to be 3-0 up.
Anderson is brought down just outside the Tottenham box, presenting the chance for the hosts to potentially add a fourth.
84 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
Porro cynically brings down Williams and that is an easy yellow card.
Forest make their first change of the night as Luiz replaces I Jesus.
83 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
The ‘Ole’s’ are going up every time a pass from the hosts is completed and it is safe to say the home fans are loving this right now.
82 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
Williams cuts the ball across the byline and picks out Hudson-Odoi, who opens up his foot to try and guide one into the far corner but it goes so wide it nearly goes out for a throw-in.
80 mins: Nottingham Forest 3 Tottenham 0
Johnson and Tel come on for Tottenham but it will be too late to salvage anything for the visitors. Thomas Frank should have been bringing them on at least 10 minutes ago.
GOAL! Sangare stunner seals it for Nottingham Forest
In his final game before going off for Afcon, Sangare adds to his two assists with an absolute stunner! Hudson-Odoi repays the favours of earlier by laying it off to Sangare on the edge of the box. Sangare strikes it first time and cuts across it beautifully as the ball keeps going away from Vicario and kisses the inside of the post and goes in. Game, set and match.
77 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Tottenham have not really looked like scoring today and Forest look very comfortable. However they have conceded the joint-most goals in the Premier League beyond the 75-minute mark this season so the home fans may not be sitting too comfortable right now. Sean Dyche actually has not yet turned to his bench.
75 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Tottenham have had just one shot on target and an xG of 0.33 75 minutes into this match.
73 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
It does seem strange that Tel, Odobert and Johnson are all still sat on the bench beyond the 70-minute mark when Tottenham are 2-0 down.
70 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Bergvall is into the book after cynically taking down Hudson-Odoi down the left touchline. Bergvall knew what he was doing and is shown a yellow card.
69 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Forest are without Sels today and Victor has now gone down clutching at the back of his leg. This is Victor’s Premier League debut and is currently looking at a clean sheet.
Victor is helped back to his feet after some treatment and seems fine to continue.
66 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Thomas Frank was waxing lyrical in the week about his attackers but they have been largely non-existent so far today. They have not really carved out any genuine opportunities on the Forest goal and in some ways are slightly fortunate only to be two goals down. Those changes Frank made around 10 minutes ago did not seem to make much sense at the time and do not make sense now either. The likes of Tel, Johnson and Odobert are on the bench and, considering they are two goals behind, you would have thought they might be on the pitch by now.
62 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
The chances are starting to rack up for the hosts as Hutchinson drives towards the Tottenham box and gets his shot away but he drags his effort just wide. Forest currently look far more likely to add a third than Tottenham getting a goal back.
61 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Nearly a third for Forest and that would have killed off this game. Hudson-Odoi finds I Jesus on the right and the latter is afforded just enough space by Van de Ven to get his shot away from the right side of the box. I Jesus drives his shot across goal but it goes narrowly wide of the far post.
58 mins: Nottingham Forest 2 Tottenham 0
Thomas Frank decides he has seen enough and makes a trio of changes. Bergvall, Palhinha and Davies are all on, replacing Spence, Bentancur and Gray. Spence is given a nice ovation from the home crowd having spent a season on loan at Forest a few years ago and Spence claps the fans. An interesting collection of substitutions when you are 2-0 down; not particularly attacking or aggressive changes.
GOAL! Hudson-Odoi at the double
The perfect start to the second half for the hosts as they double their advantage. Hudson-Odoi fakes a cross twice on the left before cutting onto his right and sending a cross in. Vicario does not cover himself in much glory as the ball goes over his head and into the far corner. The Tottenham keeper had a long time to see it come in and could have done better to deal with it. Not sure Hudson-Odoi can claim that was a shot but he and Forest do not care one bit.
Tottenham need a new goalkeeper.
It has been another error from Guglielmo Vicario, allowing a clear cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi to loop over him.
Can Thomas Frank defend him again today?
49 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Hutchinson whips in an inswinging corner from the right into a dangerous area but Vicario punches away.
48 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
An ironic cheer from the home fans as I Jesus wins a free-kick after a foul by Porro. The home faithful were not too impressed by the officiating in the first half.
Second half
We are back under way at the City Ground. No changes for either side at the break.
HT stats
Possession: Nottingham Forest 50%-50% Tottenham
Shots: 7-2
Shots on target: 2-1
Corners: 1-1
Touches in opposition box: 15-3
Scores on the doors
Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 1
Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
HT verdict
Forest deservedly ahead after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal with Tottenham fortunate not to be further behind.
Tottenham have offered very little in attacking areas and the goal was avoidable. While Archie Gray was the player dispossessed, it was an abysmal pass from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to put him in danger.
Referee Sam Barrott is having a poor afternoon with a number of bewildering decisions for both teams.
Half-time
The first half is brought to an end and Nottingham Forest lead 1-0 at the break courtesy of Hudson-Odoi’s goal after Gray’s major error. They may be leading at the break but there is plenty of frustration from the home players and fans towards the officials.
45 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
There will be two added minutes at the end of this first half.
44 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Anderson and Porro come to blows, with the referee wanting a word with both players. The referee in fact shows a couple of yellow cards to members of the Forest coaching staff.
40 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Gray’s day goes from bad to worse as he is booked for a challenge on Williams. It did appear to be a 50-50 challenge between Gray and Williams but the latter got to it first and the former went to ground, so as he did not get the ball a booking was always going to come. Gray had the right to go for it but did not get the ball.
39 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Savona sends in a cross from the right and Gibbs-White attempts a flick behind him. He does get a touch on it and the last touch then seemed to have come off Bentancur but a goal-kick is given. Gibbs-White is understandably frustrated with that decision as it looked pretty clear-cut live that there was a touch off Bentancur.
37 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Nearly a second for the home side as I Jesus sends in a delightful cross from the right side of the box that goes between the Tottenham defenders and Vicario. Gibbs-White is on the stretch at the back post but cannot divert it towards goal. Was the cross hit slightly too hard or should Gibbs-White have anticipated that a little better?
33 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
Nearly some redemption for Gray. Sangare blocks a cross from Spence and the ball loops into the air. On the swivel, Gray strikes the volley first time and connects well but Victor gets down quickly to his right to make the save.
31 mins: Nottingham Forest 1 Tottenham 0
The first booking of the game goes the way of the hosts as Savona slides in on Spence and picks up a needless booking.
Porro takes the free-kick on the left touchline and forces Victor to push it over the bar.
GOAL! Hudson-Odoi capitalises on huge Gray error
That is an absolute gift from Tottenham and Gray will not want to see this one again. Vicario does not cover himself in glory either as he gives a hospital pass to an under-pressure Gray on the edge of the box. Sangare is quick to press and nicks the ball off Gray. Sangare takes it around Vicario and the ball rolls straight into the path of Hudson-Odoi, who has the easiest of finishes. Even if Hudson-Odoi had missed, Forest may well have got a penalty as Vicario brought Sangare down but Forest lead 1-0.
27 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Play has been halted as Romero is down and holding his head so referee Samuel Barrott stops play. The home fans are not too happy with that and probably rightly so as Romero is back to his feet fairly promptly after play was stopped. That is the problem with the head-injury stoppage as some players might abuse that rule. Romero is annoyed that he has to go off for 30 seconds but if you are going to stop play for a head injury, that is the least that should happen.
24 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Big opportunity for Forest. Williams delivers a lovely cross from the right into the centre of the penalty area. Forest centre-back Milenkovic finds himself up in the box and has a great chance from 10 yards out but puts his header wide. From there, Milenkovic should really have been hitting the target at least.
22 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Kolo Muani skips past Sangare inside his own half and drives forward. He keeps going and going towards the Forest box but Murillo stands firm and wins possession off the Frenchman.
20 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Now what has happened here? Simons is down on the ground after a challenge off the ball from Murillo. A bit of a shoulder barge from Murillo on Simons but not sure it quite merited Simons rolling around on the ground. Both players exchange words when Simons gets back up but no booking for anyone, which feels like the right call.
14 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
That is a decent chance for the visitors. Kolo Muani cuts inside on the left and clips in a cross with his right foot. He picks out Richarlison in the centre of the box, around ten yards out, but the Brazilian’s header is weak and goes wide.
11 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Forest want a penalty! Hutchinson goes down under a challenge from Spence but referee Samuel Barrott waves those appeals away. There were definitely two hands from Spence on Hutchinson but perhaps not a violent enough shove to give a penalty. It may have been categorised under the “soft” category but you have seen those given.
8 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
Romero is penalised for a foul on I Jesus and displays his unhappiness at that decision to the referee. He may be Tottenham captain but he needs to be careful as that could easily be a booking for dissent.
4 mins: Nottingham Forest 0 Tottenham 0
How have the hosts not taken the lead? Savona’s cross from the right side of the box perfectly picks out the head of Sangare near the penalty spot but Sangare’s header comes flying back off the post. Moments later, Williams has a shot brilliantly saved by Vicario but the offside flag eventually goes up against Savona in the build-up before his cross to Sangare. Looking at the replays, that was a very close call and it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if the ball had ended up in the net.
This will be Ibrahim Sangare’s last match for Forest this year before he flies out to join the Ivory Coast squad at the Africa Cup of Nations. Sangare has emerged as a key player since Dyche’s appointment and will be a big loss for Forest. He was close to signing off there with a goal.
Kick-off
As is customary at the City Ground before kick-off, Mull of Kintyre rings around the stadium. If you did not know, that was the best-selling single of the 1970s.
We are under way.
Nearly ready for action
Both sides emerge from the tunnel and we are just moments away from kick-off at the City Ground. Here is a reminder of the teams:
Nottingham Forest: John, Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Hutchinson, I. Jesus.
Substitutes: Gunn; Morato, Douglas Luiz, Ndoye, Kalimuendo, McAtee, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Abbott.
Tottenham: Vicario, Spence, Gray, Romero, Porro, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Kudus, Simons, Richarlison.
Substitutes: Kisnky, Danso, Davies, Bergvall, Sarr, Palhinha, Johnson, Odobert, Tel.
Visitors decent on the road
Tottenham’s away record has been impressive since the appointment of Thomas Frank.
With 14 points on their travels so far, Tottenham will be aiming to continue that record against a Forest team peering nervously over their shoulders.
Sean Dyche has made an impact of his own at the City Ground but defeat here, and a West Ham win over Aston Villa, will plunge his team back into the bottom three.
Kick-off fast approaching
Visitors gearing up
Jamie Carragher on Xavi Simons
Sean Dyche on the absence of Matz Sels
“It was close. Touch and go. Everyone knows we have had a big injury list. We just felt with this rest coming of eight days, which is unusual for us since I have been at the club, we have got to use that wisely and make sure he is 100 per cent, rather than risk.”
Could have been different
Morgan Gibbs-White starts for the hosts this afternoon but could have potentially been lining up for the visitors today. Tottenham appeared likely to sign Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest over the summer but bungled the release clause activation in Gibbs-White’s contract. Forest threatened legal action and thus Tottenham pulled out.
Pre-match thoughts of Sean Dyche
Returning to familiar territory
Brennan Johnson came through the Nottingham Forest academy before breaking into the senior side. He then made the switch from Forest to Tottenham at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window. He has actually been linked with a move away from Tottenham.
Djed Spence spent a season on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough during the 2021-22 season before signing for Tottenham in July 2022.
Thomas Frank talking to Sky Sports
Busy afternoon
Four games kick off at 2pm. At the Stadium of Light, the first Premier League Wear-Tyne derby in nearly a decade takes place as Sunderland host Newcastle. Meanwhile at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace take on Manchester City. Then, in east London, West Ham are hosting Aston Villa at the London Stadium.
Later today, Brentford take on Leeds in west London.
Visitors arriving
Team news in full
Sean Dyche has rung the changes from Thursday’s Europa League win over Utrecht, making eight changes in total. Goalkeeper John Victor will make his Premier League debut for Nottingham Forest with Matz Sels ruled out due to a groin injury. Nicolo Savona, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams, Igor Jesus, Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson and Omari Hutchinson all come in.
Nottingham Forest: John, Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Hutchinson, I. Jesus.
Substitutes: Gunn; Morato, Douglas Luiz, Ndoye, Kalimuendo, McAtee, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Abbott.
Thomas Frank makes two changes to the Tottenham side from the Champions League victory against Slavia Prague. Rodrigo Bentancur and Randal Kolo Muani replace Joao Palhinha and Wilson Odobert.
Tottenham: Vicario, Spence, Gray, Romero, Porro, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Kudus, Simons, Richarlison.
Substitutes: Kisnky, Danso, Davies, Bergvall, Sarr, Palhinha, Johnson, Odobert, Tel.
Links between the clubs
Welcome to the Ange Postecoglou derby at the City Ground.
Forest completed the league double over Postecoglou’s Tottenham last season, and then employed him before firing him after just 39 days.
An intriguing subplot to this game is also the presence of Morgan Gibbs-White in the Forest team. Tottenham triggered his £60m release clause in July to enrage Forest, who then persuaded the England international to sign a new contract.
Former Forest player Brennan Johnson is on the bench for Tottenham while Djed Spence, who was on loan at the club when Forest were promoted, is in at left-back.
Tottenham’s last five results
Tottenham 3 Slavia Prague 0 (Champions League)
Tottenham 2 Brentford 0 (Premier League)
Newcastle 2 Tottenham 2 (Premier League)
Tottenham 1 Fulham 2 (Premier League)
PSG 5 Tottenham 3 (Champions League)
Nottingham Forest’s last five results
Utrecht 1 Nottingham Forest 2 (Europa League)
Everton 3 Nottingham Forest 0 (Premier League)
Wolves 0 Nottingham Forest 1 (Premier League)
Nottingham Forest 0 Brighton 2 (Premier League)
Nottingham Forest 3 Malmo 0 (Europa League)
This weekend’s Premier League fixtures
Saturday:
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Liverpool 2 Brighton 0
Burnley 2 Fulham 3
Arsenal 2 Wolves 1
Today:
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City 2pm
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham 2pm
Sunderland vs Newcastle 2pm
West Ham vs Aston Villa 2pm
Brentford vs Leeds 4.30pm
Monday:
Manchester United vs Bournemouth 8pm
Tottenham team
Nottingham Forest team
Team news incoming
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The Ange/Nuno derby!
The Premier League weekend continues at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest welcome Tottenham. Nottingham Forest were in Europa League action on Thursday, winning 2-1 away at Utrecht thanks to Igor Jesus’ late winner. They did though suffer defeat in their last Premier League game, falling to a 3-0 loss at Everton.
Forest have already had three managers so far this season and we not even at Christmas yet; Nuno Espirito Santo led them into the season but was sacked in September. Then Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham to Europa League success last season, was brought in but did not even last 40 days before being sacked. Postecouglou’s dismissal led to the appointment of Sean Dyche. So you could deem this the Nuno/Ange derby!
“Their [Tottenham’s] home form has been heavily questioned but their away form has not because they have been strong,” Dyche said. “They have got some very good individual players and Thomas [Frank] is a wily fox in the Premier League now after years at Brentford. A new challenge for him and a new challenge for me. Different circumstances I think.
“I have read about some of the players they have brought in; they have spent a heck of a lot of money so it is a big challenge. I think we are in good shape and we are at the City Ground and that is a big factor. We take this game on gladly and I want us to perform. Anything I think of Thomas as a bloke goes out the window for those 90-odd minutes and he knows that.”
Forest, who start the day in 17th two points above the relegation zone, will be without midfielder Ryan Yates until the new year due to a hamstring injury.
Tottenham were 3-0 victors over Slavia Prague in the Champions League in midweek. Before that game, they returned to winning ways in the league with a 2-0 home victory over Frank’s former club Brentford, after a run of five league matches without a win. They begin the day in 11th but could rise to seventh by the end of the day. Frank is anticipating a tough challenge at the City Ground this afternoon.
“I guess you have seen Sean Dyche’s teams over the years. Are they easy or difficult to play against? Difficult. Very difficult. I expect a very, very difficult game against a team that is managed by a good colleague, a friend of mine in the game. And every single time I see his team, everything I am analysing, they are extremely competitive. Then they play home. That is a difficult place to go.
“So, I expect a tough, tough game. I think we are in a fine place, not an exceptional place, but I think we are in a fine place. I think we have been good away from home. I think we have been very competitive. I expect us to go there with confidence and belief and I expect us to go there with a good chance of getting three points. But I also expect it to be unbelievably difficult.”
They remain without Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Nottingham Forest won this fixture last season, beating Tottenham 1-0 at the City Ground on Boxing Day 2024 courtesy of Anthony Elanga’s winning goal. That was the first part of a double that Forest secured over Tottenham, having lost six consecutive Premier League games against Tottenham previous to last season. Team news to follow shortly.
2025-12-14T16:30:54Z