Nottingham Forest have shot back into third place in the Premier League table thanks to Nuno Espirito Santo masterminding a 1-0 win over former club Tottenham Hotspur.
A slow burner at the City Ground burst into life just before the half-hour mark, as Anthony Elanga fired in his third goal in as many games to put the Tricky Trees ahead with their only shot on target of the first half.
Ange Postecoglou's team came close to levelling matters before the break, but a combination of Matz Sels and the side-netting kept them at bay, and Spurs' attacking endeavours in the second period were incredibly futile.
A last-gasp red card to Djed Spence - who had hitherto been irrepressible during the last few weeks - rubbed salt into the wounds for Tottenham, who have now lost four of their last five Premier League matches.
As Forest rejoice in leapfrogging Arsenal and moving into within touching distance of Chelsea, Spurs remain entrenched in the bottom half of the standings, a whopping 10 points off the Champions League positions.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
At least Tottenham Hotspur showed some attacking bite in their enthralling 6-3 loss to Liverpool, even if they did shore up at the back for the trip to visit old boss Nuno.
However, Postecoglou's men were found wanting and wanting yet again in the final third - the Australian's decision to leave James Maddison out of the starting lineup will no doubt come under the spotlight.
The visitors' efforts were not helped by two more defensive masterclasses from Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, whose displays this season are certainly Champions League-worthy. Just how far can this Forest team go?
FOREST VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS
Anthony Elanga goal vs. Tottenham (28th min, Forest 1-0 Tottenham)
A sensational Morgan Gibbs-White pass. A cool Anthony Elanga finish.
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
Nottingham Forest lead Spurs at the City Ground! 🌳🔴#PLonPrime #NFOTOT pic.twitter.com/aaoBHJTJEm
A career first for Elanga, who scores in three straight Premier League games for the first time in his career!
Spence is robbed of the ball high up the pitch, and Morgan Gibbs-White sprints towards a retreating Tottenham backline, with the midfield absolutely nowhere to be seen.
Elanga points to where he wants the pass, keeps himself onside and toe-pokes the ball into the far side of the net past the onrushing Fraser Forster.
Djed Spence red card vs. Nottingham Forest (90+4 min, Forest 1-0 Tottenham)
On his return to the City Ground, former Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence is sent off! 🔴#PLonPrime #NFOTOT pic.twitter.com/hukLQOxDtP
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024
On his return to his former club, erstwhile City Ground hero Spence takes the walk of shame to compound the visitors' misery.
Forest try to break after a Spurs attack comes to nothing, and Spence - already on a yellow card - cynically wipes out Jota Silva. Stonewall second yellow, stonewall dismissal.
Not sure why the defender looks to perplexed - that is one of the easiest decisions that Craig Pawson will give all season.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MURILLO
© Imago
Milenkovic and Gibbs-White are very honourable mentions indeed, but the irrepressible Murillo makes football look easy. Not just defending, football.
The Brazilian beast put in nine clearances, three tackles, three blocks and one interception, while also succeeding with both of his dribble attempts. Do not be surprised to see one of Europe's big boys come knocking for his signature in 2025.
FOREST VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Forest 30%-70% Tottenham
Shots: Forest 10-13 Tottenham
Shots on target: Forest 3-4 Tottenham
Corners: Forest 2-7 Tottenham
Fouls: Forest 12-13 Tottenham
BEST STATS
Anthony Elanga has 19 G/A since the start of last PL season.
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) December 26, 2024
The most by any U22 player not named Cole Palmer. pic.twitter.com/kwVT0tUxzL
Murillo's game by numbers vs. Tottenham:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 26, 2024
56 touches
9 clearances
6 final third entries
6/9 duels won
3 tackles
2/2 take-ons completed
2x possession won
A rock at the back. 🪨#NFOTOT pic.twitter.com/Z3KmI4E00G
WHAT NEXT?
Closing out a monumental year of progression, Nottingham Forest will be in action away to Everton on December 29, which precedes a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 6.
Coincidentally, Spurs finish 2024 at home to Wolves this Sunday, and their 2025 begins with a 12.30pm kickoff against Newcastle United in North London on January 4.
Ben Knapton
