Tottenham Hotspur player ratings from 0-2 win at Nottingham Forest
By Aaron Coe
Spurs Forward Ratings
Right-forward – Dejan Kulusevski – 7.5
Picking up a loose ball a midfield, Dejan Kulusevski’s drive with the ball created the first goal for Spurs. His cut-back pass to Kane was beautiful, providing a big early boost for Spurs on the road. That movement was indicative of what Dekki’s day would look like as the Swede could consistently find the ball and space. Kulusevski had a couple of chances after the hour but could not find the target with his right or left foot, but he never quit pushing and working to keep Forest on their heels.
Center-forward – Harry Kane – 7
We thought Kane dropping deep would be influential. Only the second ball into Kane led to a hard tackle from behind, putting Spurs’ talisman on the turf. However, Kane got up and got back into the play, finishing in the far corner for an early Spurs lead five minutes into the game. Minutes later, he was played in by Hojbjerg but could not get a shot off and then missed his curler 18 minutes in. On a different day, it would have been three at that point for him. Everything is just a tad off was the story of the game for Kane throughout the remainder of the day. Kane lost a scoring opportunity by taking a touch and was caught offside to start the second half. Kane’s rough day continued as he struck a very un-Kane-like penalty, which Dean Henderson saved, bringing Forest into life. Like his mates, Kane never stopped working, dropping to help defend, drawing a couple of cards, and receiving one. Ultimately, Kane’s drive led to a second goal and a big three points.
Left-forward – Heung-min Son – 6
After entering the game without a goal, Forest seemed the setting for the defending Golden Boot winner, Heung-min Son, to get off the mark. Sonny had a nice chance at 16 minutes, with the ball falling to him at the top of the box. However, the South Korean’s bending effort just missed the upper corner. Son beat Worrall to the ball earning the big center back a yellow card. He was denied Spurs’ second and his first from a big Henderson block. It would be Son’s last good chance as he was replaced after 73 minutes by Richarlison.