Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Spurs - high marks as duo stand out in impressive victory
Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche's Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in Premier League clash at the City Ground
A Callum Hudson-Odoi brace and a rocket from Ibrahim Sangare clinched an impressive 3-0 win for Nottingham Forest over Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground.
Looking to build on their Europa League victory over Utrecht in midweek, the Reds made a positive start on the banks of the Trent. Ibrahim Sangare thumped the post with a header inside the opening five minutes, with Igor Jesus and then Neco Williams going close as the hosts kept the move alive.
Forest enjoyed a fair bit of possession as the first half progressed but couldn’t quite make their final ball count. Nikola Milenkovic went close with a header in the 25th minute from a peach of a cross from Williams, but clear-cut chances were at a premium in the opening stages.
Just before the half-hour mark, though, Sean Dyche’s side made the breakthrough. Sangare pounced on poor play from Spurs at the back and rolled the ball for Hudson-Odoi to tap in.
John Victor denied Archie Gray soon after to maintain his team’s advantage. But the Reds could have been further ahead by the break, with Morgan Gibbs-White unable to convert Jesus’ cross inside the closing minutes of the half.
It didn’t take them long to double their lead after the interval, though. Whether Hudson-Odoi was going for goal with his curling shot-cross in the 50th minute is debatable, but it flew over Guglielmo Vicario and into the top corner for 2-0.
Jesus and Omari Hutchinson could have added to the hosts’ tally. But it was left to Sangare to put the seal on a fabulous result with a sensational finish from outside the area after being set up by Hudson-Odoi. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
John Victor: A big moment for the Brazilian, making his Premier League debut. Wasn’t overly tested but did save well from Archie Gray in the first half. Will be delighted to come away with a clean sheet. Rating: 7.5/10
Nicolo Savona: Picked up a careless booking in the first half but handled it relatively well thereafter. Still has a bit to learn defensively but contributed to a very impressive result and performance. Rating: 7.5/10
Nikola Milenkovic: Will no doubt feel he should have done better with his headed chance in the first half. Relatively untroubled defensively as Forest firmly kept a lid on their opponents. Rating: 8/10
Murillo: Forest look much more comfortable and solid when he is part of the back line. Dealt with anything Spurs had to offer and offered plenty of protection for fellow Brazilian John. Good on the ball, too. Rating: 8/10
Neco Williams: Full of energy, running and commitment. In short, a typical performance from the Welshman as he was back to being in fine form. Could have had an assist had Milenkovic headed in from his first-half cross. Rating: 8/10
Ibrahim Sangare: Outstanding. Will be a huge miss when he heads off to AFCON next week, and he showed why with this terrific display. Two assists and a superb goal as he signed off in style. Rating: 9.5/10
Elliot Anderson: Demanded more from his teammates and constantly wanted the ball, even when the three points were already wrapped up. Quality has never been in doubt but he is growing as a leader, too. Rating: 8/10
Omari Hutchinson: Must surely have a starting spot pinned down now after another lively performance. A good battle with Forest promotion hero Djed Spence down that flank as the winger caused plenty of problems. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Had the summer panned out differently, the playmaker could have been turning out for Tottenham in this fixture. Involved in plenty of the Reds’ play and did his best to have an impact on the game even if not everything came off. Rating: 8/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: A brilliant brace from the wide man as he ended a run of 18 games without a goal in style. Did he mean it with the second one? Forest won’t care one bit either way. Repaid the favour with Sangare by teeing up his teammate for the third. Rating: 9/10
Igor Jesus: Even when he doesn’t end a game with a goal, the striker offers so much for the Reds and gets through a lot of work. Seems to grow in stature and confidence every time he plays. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Douglas Luiz (for Jesus, 84mins): Having the midfielder available again will be a huge boost for Dyche, particularly with Sangare heading to AFCON and Ryan Yates being sidelined. Rating: 7/10
Dan Ndoye (for Hudson-Odoi, 90+2mins): Didn’t get long on the pitch and the game was already won by then. Faces a fight to get back in the starting XI. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Gunn, Morato, Kalimuendo, McAtee, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Abbott.