Tottenham put in a professional bounce-back performance against Nottingham Forest at home, winning 3-1 to consolidate fourth place.
Some promising attacking performances from Richarlison and Harry Kane highlighted Tottenham’s home victory, a badly needed three points after the midweek exodus from the Champions League.
Playing Forest at home was just the tonic Spurs were looking for. Hopefully, Antonio Conte’s side can gain some confidence and go on a run to secure participation in next season’s Champions League.
Here are the player ratings from Tottenham’s much-needed 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Defence
Fraser Forster 8.5/10
Forster showed safe hands on a low shot from Brennan Johnson in the 60th minute. The veteran made an outstanding reaction save from Serge Aurier’s point-blank, powerful header.
Unfortunately, Forster’s performance was slightly tarnished when he didn’t get to a cross in time, leading to Forest’s consolation goal.
But Forster made up for his earlier whiff with a superb penalty save.
Clement Lenglet 6.5/10
Clement Lenglet went about his business quietly but effectively. Like the rest of the backline, he was solid and didn’t commit any egregious mistakes.
Eric Dier 7/10
Spurs were boosted by Eric Dier’s return to the lineup. He marshalled the backline well. Dier held on to the ball for too long in one first-half instance but can thank Kane for tracking back and dispossessing Forest.
Cristian Romero 7.5/10
Cristian Romero enjoyed a safe, mistake-free, and most importantly, disciplined match on the back of being sent off against AC Milan midweek. It was precisely the bounce-back, domineering performance the Argentinian stalwart needed.
Midfield
Pedro Porro 7/10
Spurs’ most recent signing impressed with his movement and liveliness against Forest. He had a few good passes and deliveries and was responsible for setting up Kane on the opener.
While he needs more time to adapt to life in England, the Spaniard has the attributes to thrive in the top flight. His exquisite assist offset a few poor deliveries.
Pierre Hojbjerg 6.5/10
The Dane had a workmanlike, if not fantastic, performance. He was safe throughout and avoided making any costly errors.
Oliver Skipp 7.5/10
I love seeing Oliver Skipp in the starting team. He always puts in a full-blooded performance. Full of desire and commitment, Skipp is sound defensively and almost always makes the smart play.
Despite the eventual VAR offside, Skipp had a wondrous through ball to Richarlison in the opening minutes. He also covers expansive ground rapidly and is an effective disruptive force.
Ben Davies 7.5/10
Ben Davies enjoyed an influential first half, particularly in Forest’s half.
He made some intelligent runs, helping keep Forest on the back foot. The Welshman saved Richarlison’s cutback, sliding it to Porro, whose resulting cross found Kane for the opener.
He made a simple error in the opening minutes of the second half, leading to a Forest corner. But overall, Davies had an impactful day at the office.
Forwards and Subs
Harry Kane 9/10
Harry Kane was in a redemptive mood, dominating proceedings from kickoff. He easily guided his header home to give Spurs the 1-0 lead.
Kane then picked up the ball in the pocket and delivered a clever, via a nutmeg, pass to Richarlison, whose resulting foray into the box drew the penalty that Kane dispensed emphatically.
He also tracked back and dispossessed Forest, saving Dier’s blushes when the central defender held on too long.
Richarlison 9/10
The Brazilian clearly had a point to prove after his midweek comments about not getting enough playing time. Had it not been for the most marginal of VAR offsides, he would have opened the scoring early with a superb half-volley.
He was instrumental in the opener, beating his man and playing it into the box. While his cutback wasn’t particularly accurate, Ben Davies was able to save the move. He then drew a penalty when Joe Worrall inexplicably hacked him down.
Son Heung-min 7/10
Sonny showed composure and confidence in scoring his 99th goal. The South Korean has endured a tumultuous season, but his goal will go a long way to returning some of that lost confidence. He wasn’t his usual self, even with the goal, but putting one home will do the South Korean the world of good.
Sonny could have scored a second but was unable to put it away from close range.
Dejan Kulusevski 3/10
A moment of madness from Kulusevski allowed Forest to snatch a late penalty. It was a needless and inexplicable hand ball. He almost scored too, an eventful cameo from the Swede, but one he won’t write home about.