Tottenham suffered a significant setback, losing 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in front of a charged crowd, intensifying worries about potential relegation.
After a promising week that featured a spirited draw at Anfield and a morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, the pressure returned to interim manager Igor Tudor following this crucial defeat in North London.
Welcomed by passionate supporters outside the stadium, Tottenham started strongly and struck the crossbar twice in a dominating first half. However, they were dealt a harsh blow just before halftime when Igor Jesus’ header put Vitor Pereira’s side ahead.
This setback led to further troubles, as Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White finished a well-crafted move in the 62nd minute, with substitute Taiwo Awoniyi sealing the victory with a tap-in just three minutes from time, sending many Spurs fans toward the exits.
Boos echoed around the stadium at full-time after another disheartening home performance, as Tottenham remained winless in 13 Premier League matches, now sitting 17th, only one point above West Ham. In contrast, Forest celebrated a vital win that followed their progression in the Europa League.
A vibrant atmosphere greeted the home team bus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with around 10,000 fans lining the High Road to show their enthusiasm.
After Kevin Danso intercepted an early dangerous cross from Jesus, Tottenham began to build momentum. Archie Gray found Mathys Tel, whose shot was deflected for a corner.
With Tottenham applying pressure, Richarlison missed a header from Tel’s corner, and Spurs hit the bar after a long throw from Danso was inadvertently flicked on by Forest’s Jesus in the 16th minute.
Referee Michael Oliver waved away penalty appeals shortly after for incidents involving Pape Sarr and Micky van de Ven, who was playing in an unconventional left-back position.
The next threat emerged in the Forest area when Richarlison directed a ball across goal, but the visitors defended well, enduring a wave of home corners.
Forest came close when Jesus redirected Elliot Anderson’s header, but Guglielmo Vicario, playing just before undergoing hernia surgery, made a smart save.
However, Jesus triumphed in the next encounter, as Gibbs-White’s corner found the back post, where the Forest forward buried the ball in first-half stoppage time.
As Spurs fans attempted to rally their team, Tel unleashed a shot from 25 yards, forcing Matz Sels into a spectacular fingertip save onto the bar.
VAR dismissed penalty appeals from Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero, prompting Tudor to make a double substitution.
Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall entered the fray, but Forest almost scored again as Anderson found Neco Williams, only for Vicario to save brilliantly.
A wild attempt by Gray followed, but Spurs’ lack of composure resulted in Forest doubling their lead. Callum Hudson-Odoi sped past Pedro Porro and provided a cutback for Gibbs-White, who fired through Vicario in the 62nd minute.
Tottenham’s situation worsened when Tel limped off the pitch, while Bergvall missed a chance by poking wide from an Udogie cross, suggesting a possible comeback was on the horizon.
Yet, that was not to be, and after Sarr’s volley was blocked, Forest secured their first league win since January 25, with Awoniyi scoring from Williams’ cross.