"The outstanding Atletico win and resolute draw at Liverpool points to a Spurs team turning a corner – so how can some of the young stars hurt Nottingham Forest today?"
Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit
Awesome Archie
It was a heartwarming moment when Archie Gray, walking around the edge of the pitch after his second half substitution, was picked out by Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente, who jogged over for a handshake and embrace. This unprompted gesture of respect was to acknowledge just how good the 20-year-old been in the second leg - a sentiment echoed by a standing ovation. Gray’s running, dribbling, close control, choice of pass and timing of tackle were all spot on – with Igor Tudor keen to stress midfield is his best position. “He’s playing continually in the right way, in a good way. It's a mix of quality, physically and mentally, to always make the right choices and be humble and have (the) legs to do so.”
Fluid formation
Spurs’ cohesion, work rate and chance creation, to give Atleti a fright, was extremely promising for the Premier League run-in. Tactically, Spurs often looked like a 4-4-2 with Pedro Porro playing right-wing and Radu Dragusin behind him. But given the starting line-up, sometimes Porro and Djed Spence operated as wingbacks, with many expecting 3-4-3 given the line-up named. Regardless, the formation was fluid and effective, as Spurs ran and pressed to force Atletico into rash decisions.
Bite in attack
Igor Tudor’s side had 18 shots, 11 on target, and could have scored more than three. Randal Kolo Muani got a fine header, created by Mathys Tel, who was tireless in making things happen, while Xavi Simons scored twice including his curler from range. “I think Xavi was very good, happy for him, showed the talent… it was not easy to play there in the middle, where it's always difficult,” explained Tudor. It was certainly encouraging for Spurs in an attacking sense too given that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, so key at Anfield, were unavailable for Atletico.
What issues are Forest having?
Nottingham Forest are a team packed with talent; one expected to line up 4-2-3-1 with Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangaré in midfield. Morgan Gibbs-White will likely play in one of three attacking midfield positions, centre-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenković should start, flanked by full-backs Neco Williams and Ola Aina with the explosive Callum Hudson-Odoi out wide. On the road lately they’ve picked up good results, like the 2-2 comeback draw against Man City and 3-0 victory at Fenerbahçe, and their two league wins in 2026 have come away (West Ham, Brentford). But at home, it’s no win in seven league matches – having failed to score in four of the last five at the City Ground too, after last week’s 0-0 with Fulham.
Goalscoring woes
The lack of goals has been a real issue home and away for Forest, drawing blanks in 14 of their 30 league games this season. Only Wolves have scored fewer than Forest - a situation exacerbated by Chris Wood’s absence through injury, while fellow striker Igor Jesus has just two league goals. However, given the impact subs had against Fulham, Forest could reshape their attack. Dan Ndoye came on at half-time and two marginal offside decisions denied him a penalty (after being fouled by Calvin Bassey in the box) and a goal. Omari Hutchinson was thrown on at the break too, while striker Taiwo Awoniyi will push to start after a good cameo. “We needed to refresh the team to put more energy in,” explained Periera afterwards. “They are players who are strong one-on-one. Dan Ndoye is fast in the space and Taiwo was fantastic. This is the spirit I want to see in my players."