Tottenham Hotspur

Our defensive unit made 24 clearances in restricting Forest to just two efforts on goal. As always, urged on by the home crowd, the pressure was cranked up in the second half, but we withstood it all, but for a Neco Williams effort ruled out for handball by VAR.

Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven stood up to the physical challenge of Liam Delap, later teamed up with Igor Jesus, while Rodrigo Bentancur was outstanding, an extra layer of protection with Sandro Tonali. Savio also made his first start while Mykhailo Mudryk came off the bench for his debut.

We created chances – and that’s where Roberto said he wants to see us improve – pinpointing decision making as key as we failed to test Matz Sels despite 12 efforts at goal, the same tally as Forest. Omar Marmoush zipped our best chance inches wide in the first half and Micky was close with a header after the break.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY afterwards, Roberto reflected: “I’m disappointed and frustrated for the result, but for the performance, very happy. I want to see this spirit. I want to see 90 minutes to believe in ourselves, to believe in what we are doing, to believe in the team-mates, to believe in the club. This is the right spirit, and I can't ask for nothing more than this spirit.

“After that, we have to improve, for sure. What is the problem? The problem is the last third, not because we have not the quality. We have great players. Yes, I think Marmoush has the quality to score 15 goals. Mathys Tel is a top potential player. Mudryk as well. Savio is another top player.

“We have to be better in the last decision, to keep calm when we are in the last third and take the best decision. We shot with Marmoush in the last 10 minutes, and there was Robertson overlapping. If Robertson received the ball, Kudus at the second post scores alone. I think we have to work, but also I'm positive because I want to see this spirit, this fight away from home. We are Tottenham and we have to deserve, day by day, to stay in this club.”

Watch | Roberto's post-match in full

Vote for your Player of the Match

In a tense battle on Trentside, we claimed our first point at the City Ground for almost three years with the stalemate with the Tricky Trees.

As our new look side continues to gel under Roberto De Zerbi, we had a number of bright spells in the game, particularly in the opening 25 minutes of the second half, but we were unable to really test Matz Sels in the Forest net.

Who was your Player of the Match in Nottingham?

Vote for your Player of the Match

Roberto De Zerbi makes three changes to the team that started against Newcastle United last weekend with Savio back in the frame and coming in for his first start in our colours, joining Destiny Udogie and Conor Gallagher in the team.

Archie Gray, Andy Robertson and Mateus Fernandes drop to the bench.

Deadline day loan signing Mykhailo Mudryk is also named among our substitutes.

Here’s the team in full…

Starting XI: Kinsky, van Hecke, Gallagher, Tel, Udogie, Tonali, Savio, Marmoush, Pedro Porro, Bentancur, van de Ven (c).

Substitutes: Dubravka, Senesi, Robertson, Gray, Bergvall, M Fernandes, Mudryk, Kudus, Solanke.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, line up as follows…

Starting XI: Sels, Williams, Murillo, Gibbs-White (c), Ndoye, Delap, Schlager, Jair Cunha, McAtee, Milenkovic, Aina.

The winger started his Spurs career in a blaze of glory with a goal 11 minutes into his debut, followed by an assist in our win against Charlton. However, he then missed last week’s match against Newcastle with muscle fatigue.

‘Madders’ is back in training with the squad but not ready to feature at Forest.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Roberto reported: “Sávio is back, and we are all available to play. Maddison started (training) yesterday with us, and the other players are in good condition.”

Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons remain sidelined.

Team Selector | Pick your XI for Forest!

It forms part of a wider programme of work ongoing across the Club to reconnect with the rich footballing heritage on which we are built and doing more to celebrate the achievements of past players and teams.

The Tottenham Hotspur Hall of Fame was first launched in 2004, with 45 of the Club’s greatest former players and managers inducted over the next 12 years, including our most decorated manager, Bill Nicholson, all members of our historic 1961 Double-winning team, all-time record appearance holder Steve Perryman and many more legendary players across a number of generations.

Following the closure of White Hart Lane in 2017 and the transition to our new home, the initiative was paused. The Club has now taken the opportunity, prompted by discussions with our Fan Advisory Board, to refresh the format and better reflect the full breadth of Spurs history, including, for the first time, inductees from our Women’s team.

The new structure will see annual inductions made across four categories: a men’s player or manager from pre-1990; a men’s player or manager from 1990 onwards; a women’s player or manager from any era; and special recognition for a Club figure who has played a significant role in our history, on or off the pitch.

For this year’s re-launch, the Club and Fan Advisory Board representatives have unanimously decided on new inductees, who will be announced across Club channels over the coming days.

New inductees will be presented on the pitch in front of fans ahead of kick-off at our upcoming home Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday 19 September – the matchday programme will feature a commemorative front cover and supporting editorial content.

Then, on Monday 21 September, a formal induction evening will take place at the stadium, at which a new Hall of Fame wall installation near the players’ tunnel – reimagining for the modern era what was once in place at White Hart Lane – will be unveiled for the first time and made available as part of our behind-the-scenes Stadium Tour moving forward.

Season Ticket Holders, Premium and One Hotspur Members will shortly receive an email with an opportunity to apply for a limited number of places to attend this special event and get a first glimpse of the new installation. Highlights from the induction event will also be made available to fans on-demand via SPURSPLAY and YouTube.

A dedicated Hall of Fame section will be launched on the official Club website, providing a permanent digital home for supporters across the world to learn more about the figures who have shaped the history of Tottenham Hotspur.

In future years, Hall of Fame nominees will be selected through a structured criteria - involving the Club, the Fan Advisory Board and former player representatives - before fans are given their say as to who is inducted in each category via a public vote, ensuring greater input from supporters into this hugely important initiative.

Kate Miller, our Chief Communications Officer and Co-Chair of the Fan Advisory Board, said: “Tottenham Hotspur’s history has been shaped by extraordinary individuals whose contribution, character and achievements continue to inspire generations of supporters.

“The re-launch of the Hall of Fame is an important moment for the Club and another step on our journey of reconnection. It allows us to honour the great figures who have helped define Tottenham Hotspur across every era, while creating a refreshed and permanent way for supporters to celebrate and learn more about their legacy.

“We are especially pleased that the new format reflects the full breadth of our history, including the achievements of our Women’s team, and that fans will have a meaningful role in shaping our Hall of Fame’s future.

“This is about ensuring the people who have made this Club what it is are recognised, remembered and celebrated in a way befitting of their place in Tottenham Hotspur’s story.”

Representatives of our Fan Advisory Board added: “The return of the Hall of Fame is something supporters have wanted for a long time, and it means a lot that the Fan Advisory Board has helped shape how it comes back.

“We were keen that the new format reflects every era of the Club, which is why we’re glad it recognises our Women’s team for the first time. Their place in this story is long overdue.

“The lifeblood of Tottenham Hotspur is its supporters, so giving fans a vote on who gets inducted from next year is exactly how it should work.”

As we prepare to travel to the City Ground, here's what Sarah had to say about Forest under Glasner and Saturday's Premier League clash (3pm UK).

How is the squad looking now the transfer window is over?

Sarah: "Deadline day proved to be a quiet one for Forest in the end - which is unusual but not necessarily a bad thing on this occasion. The only business done in the final hours of the window saw a couple of players go out on loan, which tied into Oliver Glasner’s preference for working with a small squad. Glasner has said he is happy with the summer business done and the squad he has. He felt there was plenty of potential in the group when he joined, and given Elliot Anderson was the only notable departure of the window that remains the case. Of course, Anderson is a difficult (near enough impossible) man to replace, but Forest feel they have ended the window stronger overall. This window was about quality over quantity for the club, with just a few key additions targeted. They do look short on natural centre-backs, especially as Glasner likes to play with three in defence, but the Austrian does have players who could step into that role if required. Midfield is also an area where another quality addition would not have gone amiss, but only if the right deal was available to be done. Forest should still have enough there. There is quality in the squad, and with no European football to contend with, they should be okay in terms of depth."

What have you made of Forest so far under Oliver Glasner?

Sarah: "I’m sure he was glad to see the back of Leeds! Successive defeats to the Whites (in the Premier League and Carabao Cup) wouldn’t have been what he had in mind to start the season with. The performance against Liverpool ( a 2-2 draw at Anfield last weekend) was much better, though. It was much more like a 'Glasner' team, even if it didn't result in a win. Right from the start, he has not shied away from the thought it is going to take time for him to get Forest where he wants them to be. I think that is clear so far; they have looked like a team in transition. Against Leeds, it was apparent they were up against a side further along in their progression. Patience is going to be required but Forest have shown positive signs. More than anything, the club really needs some stability after last season, and he seems like a good fit in that sense. He speaks very well and arrived with a proven track record so you would back him to oversee progress."

How is Glasner setting up and, after playing so well at Anfield last week, how do you expect his approach to differ for a home game - if at all?

Sarah: "How Forest are setting up won’t come as a surprise to anyone who watched Palace under Glasner. He has said he is prepared to be flexible with his formation, but he clearly favours a back three as that has been the go-to set-up so far. I don’t think the approach will differ too much on Saturday to how Forest went about it at Anfield. They put together some nice passages of play against Liverpool and created a few chances so will want to build on that.

"There is still room for improvement. At the back they still have things to work on as players adjust to the different system and as a team they need to get their pressing right, but generally there was much to be encouraged by at Anfield. Glasner has made clear he goes into every game with the intention to win, so that will be the aim on Saturday. He will be eager to get his first victory on the board."

Finally, who should our fans look out for?

Sarah: "I guess Morgan Gibbs-White doesn’t need any introduction! Forest hanging on to him last summer continues to be arguably their most crucial bit of business of the past 12 months. He is so important to this team and is always capable of a moment of magic. Aside from Gibbs-White, new boy Liam Delap will be one to watch. He made an impact from off the bench on his debut at Anfield, setting Neco Williams free with a quick throw (one his dad, Rory, would have been proud of) in a move that led to Forest winning a penalty. Glasner really likes Delap and has said he is the perfect fit for Forest. The front man has made the move with a bit of fire in his belly after his time at Chelsea and will no doubt want to hit the ground running at home, if he is selected."

We face West Ham United at Brisbane Road in our season opener on Sunday as we look to make a positive start to our eighth campaign in England’s top flight while a number of new arrivals could make their debuts.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the London derby…

What time does the match start?

Kick-off in the capital is at 12noon BST on Sunday.

How can I watch the game?

Tickets remain available to buy online until 3pm today (Friday) and will be available on the day at Brisbane Road.

Our WSL season opener will be available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports+.

Video highlights will be posted on official club channels from four hours after the final whistle, with a full match replay available to watch on SPURSPLAY from midnight after the game.

As for this season, our Match Centre here on the official club website and app will bring you all the build-up plus live in-game text commentary and post-match reaction, ensuring you won’t miss a thing.

What is the team news?

Martin Ho will speak to the media on Friday afternoon and will report any further squad updates ahead of our London derby with West Ham.

However, Jess Naz and Maite Oroz remain long-term absentees as they continue their rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Defender Hanna Wijk returned to action in pre-season since her MCL injury in April, 2026, and gained valuable minutes in our final two friendlies.

Who is the referee?

Abigail Bryne is in charge of our match this weekend.

She’ll be assisted by Nicoleta Bria and Christopher Myatt, with Stephen Parkinson as the fourth official.

Which kits will the teams be wearing?

We’ll be wearing our 2026/27 home kit, featuring Lilywhite shirts, navy blue shorts and white socks, with our goalkeeper in pink.

West Ham United will also be in their home strip, claret shirts, blue shorts and blue socks.

How can I get the matchday programme?

The first Women’s Super League edition of our new-look official matchday programme for the 2026/27 season will be on sale at Sunday’s game, including a main feature interview with new arrival Kirsty Hanson and we get to know goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen more. Be sure to pick up your copy from various points around the stadium at the game, or order online here for delivery direct to your door.

What will the weather be like?

It’s expected to be rather warm and sunny but there’s a risk of rain later in the afternoon, with temperatures at around 26 degrees.

Here’s all you need to know...

What time does the match start?

Kick-off is at 3pm BST on Saturday.

How can I watch the game?

Our trip to Forest won’t be televised live in the UK.

However, supporters can still keep fully up-to-date with live text and audio commentary during the game on our Match Centre, while video highlights will be posted on official club channels from two hours after the final whistle.

A full match replay will then be available to watch on SPURSPLAY from midnight after the game.

What is the team news?

Roberto De Zerbi will speak to the media on Friday lunchtime and is expected to clarify who is available to play, including an update on Sávio after he missed last week’s home defeat to Newcastle United.

Deadline day signings Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk have trained at Hotspur Way and it remains to be seen whether they feature at the City Ground.

Who is the referee?

Saturday’s game will be refereed by Craig Pawson.

Lee Betts and Mat Wilkes will be his assistants, with David Webb as the fourth official.

VAR duties will be handled by Peter Bankes and assistant Alex Chilowicz.

Which kits will the teams be wearing?

Nottingham Forest will be wearing red shirts, white shorts and red socks, with their goalkeeper in blue.

We’ll be using our home kit, featuring Lilywhite shirts, navy blue shorts and white socks, with our keeper in green.

What will the weather be like?

There’ll be sunny intervals and a gentle breeze in Nottingham on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures at around 19 degrees.

What is the latest travel information?

Hosts Forest will line up in their traditional red shirts, white shorts and red socks, with their goalkeeper in all-blue.

We will be wearing our home kit at the City Ground, featuring Lilywhite shirts, navy blue shorts and white socks.

Our goalkeeper will wear the second-choice green keeper’s kit.

SPURSPLAY