Tottenham suffer a massive blow in relegation battle after 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham‘s survival hopes suffered another devastating blow as Nottingham Forest ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a performance that was as alarming as it was comprehensive. Exposed repeatedly on both flanks throughout the afternoon, Spurs offered almost nothing going forward and were carved apart with worrying ease by a Forest side that will have arrived at N17 full of confidence. Igor Tudor’s side remain in a desperate relegation battle with seven games remaining.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Guglielmo Vicario (4/10): Was repeatedly exposed by crosses and cutbacks that his defence failed to deal with, leaving him with little chance on any of the three goals. His positioning from set pieces and crosses remained a concern, and the defensive chaos in front of him made for another deeply uncomfortable afternoon between the posts. Should have done much better for the second goal.
Djed Spence (3/10): Tormented throughout his time on the pitch before being replaced by Bergvall right after half-time. Was repeatedly beaten down his flank and offered almost nothing in an attacking sense to compensate for his defensive shortcomings. His removal at the interval was both necessary and overdue.
Kevin Danso (5/10): One of the more disappointing performers given the promise he had shown in recent weeks. He started so well, but was unable to replicate his Anfield display and found himself consistently out of position in the second half as Forest exploited the wide areas with devastating effect.
Cristian Romero (5/10): The best of a very poor defensive unit, which admittedly is not saying a great deal. Started poorly, but grew into the game. Made some important interventions and at least attempted to organise those around him, but was ultimately powerless to prevent a Forest side that attacked the flanks relentlessly from finding their way through.
Micky van de Ven (3/10): Another nightmare afternoon for the Dutchman, who was substituted at half-time having been exposed repeatedly on his side. Van de Ven’s season has been defined by catastrophic individual errors and an alarming loss of confidence, and Sunday was yet another chapter in that painful story. His removal alongside Spence at the break told its own story.
Pedro Porro (3/10): Offered next to nothing going forward and was frequently caught out of position defensively. Like Spence on the opposite flank, Porro was identified and targeted by Forest as a weak link, and the visitors exploited that vulnerability throughout the afternoon without mercy. The second goal largely came from his carelessness.
Archie Gray (5/10): Worked as hard as ever and was one of the few players who could hold their head up marginally higher than the rest, but even Gray could not influence proceedings in the way his recent performances had suggested he might. Was replaced by Gallagher in the 85th minute having given everything but ultimately been unable to stem the tide.
Pape Matar Sarr (4/10): As anonymous and ineffective as he has been at any point this season. Sarr was completely bypassed by Forest’s midfield, offering neither defensive protection nor any meaningful contribution in possession. His inability to impose himself on matches of this magnitude continues to raise serious questions about his long-term future at the club.
Mathys Tel (6/10): One of the lone bright spots in the team. An excellent first half saw him create chaos, and also hit the bar towards the end. Faded away in the second half.
Richarlison (5/10): Worked hard as he invariably does but was starved of service and unable to create anything of note against a well-organised Forest backline. Replaced by Kolo Muani in the 68th minute.
Dominic Solanke (4/10): Isolated and frustrated throughout, with the service from wide areas either non-existent or delivered under such pressure as to be useless. Solanke battled gamely but was effectively rendered a spectator as Forest dominated every department around him.
Substitutes
Lucas Bergvall (5/10): Introduced at half-time and showed some promise, bringing a composure and technical quality that at least suggested a player ready to contribute at this level. Could not single-handedly change the outcome but gave supporters a glimpse of what he offers.
Destiny Udogie (4/10): Came on at half-time in place of Van de Ven but was unable to provide the defensive solidity or attacking threat down the left that Tottenham so desperately needed.
Randal Kolo Muani (4/10): Introduced in the 68th minute but had too little time and too little support to make any meaningful impact on a game already firmly beyond reach.
Xavi Simons (4/10): Replaced Tel in the 68th minute but found himself in the same predicament as every other Tottenham player, unable to influence a match that had already been decided.
Conor Gallagher (N/A): Came on in the 85th minute with the result long settled and insufficient time to contribute anything meaningful.