Nottingham Forest 0-2 Tottenham: Kulusevski stars as 10-man Spurs see off Forest
Tottenham Hotspur beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 away on Friday, with goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski, to move closer to the Premier League top four, despite having midfielder Yves Bissouma sent off late in the game.
Spurs, managed by Ange Postecoglou, began the season in scintillating form before being hampered by injuries. They got back on track with a 4-1 home win over Newcastle United, followed by a win in a tricky-looking game at the City Ground.
The visitors looked the slicker side from the start, led by inspirational captain Son Heung-min, and were duly rewarded when Richarlison guided home a header in first-half stoppage time from a brilliant Kulusevski cross.
It was the Brazilian's third goal in two games, a welcome boost after struggling to score for Spurs previously.
In the 65th minute, Swede Kulusevski picked up a loose pass from Forest keeper Matt Turner, sidestepped Moussa Niakhate, and smashed the ball into the net.
Forest received a boost five minutes later when Bissouma was shown a red card after a VAR review for a dangerous foul, but they were unable to cut the deficit, extending their winless streak to six games.
Tottenham now sits on the cusp of the top four Champions League qualifying spots. They are still fifth, but they are now tied on 33 points with Manchester City and four points behind leaders Liverpool, despite having played one more game than their opponents.
Forest are 16th with 14 points, five points above the relegation zone in their second season since promotion under Steve Clarke.
At 1-0 down, the hosts thought they had equalized when Anthony Elanga poked home from close range, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled him offside.
Spurs came under increased pressure after the dismissal, with Guglielmo Vicario producing a brilliant save on the line with his leg from a Harry Toffolo header, then seeing the ball bounce off both the post and him from a Neco Williams shot.
SportsLigue