Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 2-1 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur, reigniting their Champions League ambitions and piling further pressure on Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou. Forest entered the match in sixth place, having suffered consecutive defeats to Aston Villa and Everton, but responded with a resilient display in North London.
Forest struck early, with Elliot Anderson opening the scoring in the 5th minute after a deflected effort from a corner. Chris Wood, enjoying a prolific season, doubled the lead in the 16th minute with a glancing header from Anthony Elanga’s cross.
Tottenham dominated possession and created several chances, but Forest’s defensive discipline and key interventions—including a spectacular goal-line clearance by Harry Toffolo—kept the hosts at bay.
Richarlison gave Spurs late hope with a powerful header in the 87th minute, but Forest held on for all three points.
The win lifts Forest to third in the Premier League table with 60 points, moving them above Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle in the race for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Tottenham, now with 18 league defeats, remain 16th with 37 points, just two places above the relegation zone.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We are in a fight that nobody expected, us included. We are in the mix against big teams and that only can make us proud. And we embrace the challenge”.
Postecoglou admitted his side “conceded poor goals and gave ourselves a mountain to climb,” and with the club’s Europa League campaign still alive, he hinted that continental competition may now be the priority as Spurs seek to salvage their season.
Forest, two-time European champions, are now well-positioned for a Champions League return and face Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal next weekend.
Tottenham’s focus shifts to the Europa League, with a semifinal against Bodo/Glimt offering a potential route to European football next season.
Forest’s disciplined performance and clinical finishing underline their transformation from last season’s relegation battle to genuine top-four contenders, while Tottenham’s struggles continue as they search for late-season momentum.