Nottingham Forest 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
A Sunday teatime clash to round off the Premier League bank holiday weekend and one which, for me, evoked memories of yesteryear.
Two of English football’s greats battling it out at the City Ground and playing football in a way befitting the tradition and heritage of both.
Two clubs who have been operating at very different levels for much of the past 20 years, yet who now share an ambition.
Two clubs who have splashed the cash this summer in order to pursue their aims.
For Spurs, that means improving on last season’s fourth place and becoming a club which can compete for the major prizes at home and abroad.
For Forest, it means the long game of becoming an established Premier League side once again.
This weekend, reports emerged of a deal with Atletico Madrid for Renan Lodi and, whether that happens or not, the club is committed to spending big to boost its hopes of survival in a first top-flight campaign for more than two decades.
That bravery and lack of fear has been refreshing to see on and off the pitch and it was noticeable again today.
Highlights of the game
Last time at home, Forest shower character and resilience, every ounce of which will do them no harm in their bid to ensure their first top flight season or 23 years is not a brief one.
One of the stars that day was goalkeeper Dean Henderson who is backing up his comments by deed in the early weeks of the campaign – even if he is not good enough to warrant regular inclusion at his parent club ahead of David De Gea.
And that same confidence was on display once more as he saved a penalty for the second successive home game – this time from England captain Harry Kane.
It proved immaterial to the final result – Kane had already netted after five minutes and added a second on what proved to be a landmark day personally – but it was another example of why Forest will not be pushed around this term.
After a bright start from the hosts, Kane was played through following a fine run and pass from Dejan Kulusevski and the prolific marksman did the rest, rifling the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
In an end-to-end game, both teams enjoyed spells on top and, but for some dogged defending, Forest may have hauled themselves level.
Yet discipline is a trait Antonio Conte stores much faith in and the home side struggled to find a way through, despite enjoying long spells of possession.
Eight minutes into the second half, his team was handed a golden chance to double their advantage as Steve Cook handled an Ivan Perisic cross into the box but Henderson guessed right and clawed away the spot-kick.
They were nearly made to pay as Ryan Yates laid the ball off to Neco WIlliams, whose shot bobbled wide.
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds had always favoured Spurs but they needed a second goal to make sure and, after Henderson kept out a drilled Son Heung-min effort, they made the game safe nine minutes from time.
In what was another afternoon of Premier League highlights for Kane, he was initially denied by the goalkeeper who cut out a Ryan Sessegnon cross but fellow substitute Richarlison kept the ball in play and produced an inviting delivery which the number 10 converted from close range.
That finally ended the spirited resistance of Forest.
As for Kane, he is now the joint-third top scoring Premier League player, with 187 goals – level with Andy Cole.
Kane and very able!
Key statistics
Only Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208) have scored more in Premier League history.
Kane’s 200 league goals have come mainly for Spurs (186) with seven for Millwall, five for Leyton Orient and two for Leicester.
He has now netted against 31 of the 32 sides he has faced in the Premier League, failing to score only against Brentford in two appearances.
Until today, he had scored his last 15 Premier League penalties.
Spurs have won five of their last six meetings in all competitions and this was their 50th ever league win against Forest.
The last time they avoided defeat in their opening four league matches (2016-17) they went onto finish as runners-up.
Spurs kept a clean sheet in all six meetings versus promoted opposition last season.
What’s next?
Forest now face the ultimate test since they were promoted – a trip to champions Manchester City.
That will be followed up with a home match against fellow newly promoted club Bournemouth next Sat (September 3). Spurs are at West Ham on Wednesday night before entertaining the third newly promoted club, Fulham, next weekend
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