Tottenham Hotspur player ratings from 0-2 win at Nottingham Forest
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Hotspur scored early and late as they battled for three points against a game and gutsy 0-2 win over Nottingham Forest at City Ground.
Tottenham jumped to an early lead, scoring in the game’s first five minutes. However, Nottingham Forest settled in and made Spurs work for their three points. Forest dominated possession in the first half, with more touches (412) than Tottenham passes (324), but Spurs’ counterattack kept Forest on their heels, even with the ball.
It was the same in the second half, as Forest fought hard and stayed in the game but could not overcome Spurs’ defense or depth. Here are our player ratings from a rugged 0-2 win, which Tottenham needed.
Ratings Tottenham Defenders
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris – 8
After securing his first clean sheet of the season last week against Wolves, Hugo Lloris was looking to pick up Premier League shutout 122 Sunday afternoon and worked for it. Lloris looked to control his box from the off, producing a big punch and a nice claim in the first minute following a Forest free kick. He did well to get behind a rocket from Lewis O’Brien, deflecting it away from a breaking Neco Williams. Lloris was alert with his feet and hands all day, including a diving punch away from a breaking Jesse Lingard. Lloris showed he is still a sweeper keeper, coming well outside his box for a clearance. Fittingly, Lloris claimed the last real Forest attempt at +8 minutes.
Right-back – Davinson Sanchez – 7
Davinson Sanchez continues to start with Cristian Romero out injured. Sanchez got off to an ominous start committing a foul less than 30 seconds into the match. From there, Sanchez battled a hungry Forest side, providing some big but underwhelming clearances. He showed his speed by outracing Harry Toffolo to a ball played toward the corner flag and even won the throw. It was not pretty, but it was another shutout with Sanchez in the side.
Center-back – Eric Dier – 7
Making his 241st appearance in the League for Spurs, Eric Dier again led the back line. Dier was alert and ready, running to meet dropping Forest attackers and fighting for headers. Dier was much busier than he probably would have liked, as Nottingham Forest had the lion’s share of possession. However, Dier helped keep the Tricky Trees at bay thanks to steadfast defending, although a deflected pass led to an embarrassing moment. In the end, Dier and company held on.
Left-back – Ben Davies – 7
Ben Davies continues to be the first choice at left-back. An early miscommunication with Ivan Perisic on a give-and-go almost cost Spurs, but the defense recovered. Davies defended Brennan Johnson well, blocking the forward shot on an early Forest counterattack. He did well to attack space when he saw it with the ball. Davies defended from the front foot all afternoon and worked to prevent whoever came his way from getting the ball.