After two convincing victories against Brentford and Slavia Prague, Tottenham Hotspur reverted to old habits, falling to Nottingham Forest. This defeat stemmed from a dismal performance by Guglielmo Vicario, whose two errors directly led to Forest's goals.

The Italian goalkeeper, already under scrutiny for a costly error against Fulham two weeks prior that led to a home defeat, blundered for both of Forest's goals, both credited to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Forest, who had already rattled the woodwork through an Ibrahim Sangare header, opened the scoring courtesy of a gift from Vicario and Archie Gray. The goalkeeper played the ball to Gray, who, with his back to goal and surrounded by three opponents, received it. Sangare pressed the English youngster, dispossessing him before laying it off to Hudson-Odoi, who slotted into an empty net as Vicario rushed out.

While blame for the first goal could be shared between Vicario and Gray, the second was unequivocally the goalkeeper's fault. From the left flank, Hudson-Odoi whipped in a cross towards the far post that curled dangerously, catching Vicario flat-footed. The Italian stepped forward, misjudged the ball's flight, and by the time he tried to recover and stretch, it was too late. The ball sailed over him, securing a 2-0 lead for Sean Dyche's side, who have now won six of their last eight matches across all competitions.

To cap off the performance, Sangare, who had already assisted both goals, unleashed a first-time shot from the edge of the box, set up by goalscorer Hudson-Odoi. The ball swerved, struck the post, and nestled into the back of the net.

The 'Tricky Trees' now create significant distance from the relegation zone, climbing to 16th place with 18 points, five clear of West Ham United, who currently occupy a relegation spot. Tottenham, meanwhile, find themselves in no man's land, sitting 11th with 22 points. Thomas Frank remains under scrutiny.

G. Vicario

Achievements