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.
Tottenham Midfield Ratings
Right wing-back – Emerson Royal – 6
Emerson Royal had an auspicious start with a poor clearance followed by a dumb foul. However, Royal showed some improvement in his passing, liking up well with Kulusevski on several occasions and playing one great ball through the lines to Son, who was, unfortunately, offside. Royal defended well for most of the match but ultimately had a limited contribution.
Central Midfield – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7.5
The Danish midfielder was found lacking on his first attempt at providing service into the box, hitting a cross behind four players during a counterattack about ten minutes into the match. However, his alert defending to shield Johnson in the box allowed Lloris to get the ball. Likewise, his second attempt at a big pass was spot on to Kane between the lines, but a precise tackle from Joe Worrall snuffed out the opportunity. Hojbjerg ran hard in both directions, often being one of the first on the counter and then popping up defending in front of the box.
Central Midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur – 6.5
F Rodrigo Bentancur’s biggest contribution to the match was his effort running to pressure the ball from midfield to maintain the tempo. He defended well in the box to end a sustained spell of Forest possession around 24 minutes. Bentancur tended to stay a bit deeper when Tottenham had the ball as Hojbjerg pushed forward. He was taken off at 90 minutes with some a knock.
Left wing-back – Ivan Perisic – 6.5
Making his second Spurs start in as many games, Ivan Perisic spent as much time tracking back as he did attack in the first half. He had a smart header back to Lloris to relieve some pressure and later used every bit of his knowledge to get goal-side of Williams to allow Lloris to clear. Perisic showed his still incredible range and skill in the first half, racing over to beat Williams to a ball with a lovely hold and then shielding the ball to retain possession. Ivan could not connect well with a tough volley attempt off a Kane corner, with the ball going well over the bar. Moments later, Perisic played the cross that led to Steve Cook’s handball and a penalty kick. Perisic flashed at times but, like everyone else, spent more time backing up than going forward before being replaced by Ryan Sessegnon in a double move after 73 minutes.
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.
Substitute and Coach rating for Spurs
It was well over 70-minutes into the match before Tottenham made their first change, but there is no doubt that the move changed the game.
Substitute 1 – Ryan Sessegnon – 6
After starting the first two matches and being replaced by Perisic, it was again Sessegnon replacing Perisic to help Spurs close out the game. Sessegnon got an opportunity Persisic would have loved, finding space behind the Forest defense. Unfortunately, Sess could not find Kane in the box, but some hustle kept the play alive.
Substitute 2 – Richarlison – 7
After missing the first match of the season due to suspension, Richarlison came on for the third consecutive match for Son. The Brazilian was beaten by Worrall on a decent ball from Kulusevski at the near post. A couple of minutes later, Richi made his mark continuing a play after Sessegnon’s cross was blocked, sending a perfect cross for Kane to head home for Spurs’ second. Richarlison does not lack effort or drama, as his juggling on the pitch was not appreciated by Forest and led to a sixth yellow card for the home side.
Substitute 3 – Yves Bissouma – 6
The midfielder came on immediately after the second goal, replacing Kulusevski to sure up the Tottenham defensive shape with an extra body in the middle of the park.
Substitute 4 – Djed Spence – 6
Making his Tottenham debut in front of his home team from last season, Djed Spence was the last substitute from Tottenham, coming on in injury time. Spence almost had his moment as the ball nearly bounced perfectly for him in the box, but his effort was blocked.
Coach – Antonio Conte – 7
It was not the most beautiful game from his side. Spurs came out strong from the off but struggled to maintain the intensity and control. However, the confidence in the team’s defensive approach is clear as Spurs kept Forest at arm’s length. It looked like he maybe waited too long to make a change as Forest pushed for an equalizer; however, the move was timed to perfect as Spurs took over at the right times down the stretch to assure the three points.