Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur battled hard with ten men in the second half to secure a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this evening.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match:

Level With Man City – 

Tottenham now go level with Manchester City on 33 points in fourth place and although the reigning champions play this weekend, they miss their pre-Christmas fixture due to the Club World Cup. That could give Tottenham the chance to leapfrog their way back into the Champions League places if they keep their winning run going.

Bissouma Out Until February –

With his second red card of the season (which comes with a four-match ban), Yves Bissouma will likely now be out until February. By the time he serves his four matches, the African Cup of Nations will roll around and he will be off to play for Mali. Ange Postecoglou will need to find a new pivot for the next couple of months, it seems.

Udogie Suspended –

Poor Postecoglou can’t catch a break. Not only does he have to replace Bissouma in the starting XI against Everton, but also Destiny Udogie at left-back. The Italian picked up his fifth yellow of the season for a silly push in the back and will now sit one game out. Cristian Romero was pretty lucky not to suffer the same fate and will likely pick up another suspension sometime in the next few weeks.

The Kulusevski Show –

Spurs fans have been waiting for this kind of performance from Kulusevski for weeks now. He has been playing some pretty nice football without necessarily picking out the perfect final pass or shot. Tonight, we had both! As perfect a cross as you can get for Richarlison’s header, followed by a goal of his own. My favourite thing was seeing him actually shift the ball out onto his right foot! He did that so much during his first six months at the club and it made him so unpredictable. More of that please, Deki!

Ben Davies, Take A Bow – 

It would be wrong not to mention Ben Davies this evening. If not for a goal and assist from Kulusevski, he would have been the Man of the Match hands down. The Welshman barely put a foot wrong through the 90 minutes, despite often being criticised throughout his Tottenham career. He made so many blocks, interceptions and clearances, it was like the ball was a magnet to him at the back. What’s more, he knows how to bring the ball out and play too. Well in, Ben!

Related Topics