Match Report: Forest 0 Spurs 2 (& Romero signs a permanent contract)
Tottenham have just announced the permanent signing of Cristian Romero. After initially joining the Club on a season-long loan from Atalanta in August, 2021, he has agreed on a deal that will run until 2027.
What a day it was on the day of the Forest game.
Mel picked me up at 9 am and we made our way to Nottingham (a few stops on the way for refreshments) and found our pre-booked restaurant (with eight others). Before that, we had to find our parking space, which ended up 30 seconds away. Mel Originally was going to drop me off at the restaurant while he parked, until we realised the parking was only around the corner. Don’t forget I am temporarily crippled (on crutches with my ankle in plaster). So getting to the ground was a whole new story.
We had our food, then left the others to make our 16-minute journey to the ground (which was a lot longer for me), but just as I left the restaurant, I realised I hadn’t had my bag with tickets and Mel’s car keys in it, with me. Panic! I rushed back (or hobbled back), and luckily my bag was where I had left it—then continued on our journey to the stadium. I got my programme, chatted to other fans and made my way to the turnstiles.
As soon as the Spurs Steward saw me, she pointed me toward the disabled section; where I was directed to my seat. Luckily, kind fans allowed me to sit near the stairways/ end row for easy access. Mel sat a row in front of me, just in case I had a wobbly.
Now to the most important thing, the game.
Let us cut to the chase: Harry Kane scored twice and had a penalty saved as a gritty Red army battled us at their Forest ground for bragging rights.
I haven’t been to the City ground for some years as they’ve just been promoted after several decades in the wilderness. Memories came flooding back of many good victories for us at their ground.
To their credit, Forest were positive throughout the game and could have easily managed a goal (if they hadn’t fluffed their lines). They began on the front foot, but Kane punished them with a clinical finish on the break within five minutes. That was the way to go, my boy! After all, he is one of our own.
Sadly not everything went Kane’s way on that day; their Goalkeeper Dean Henderson later in the game denied Kane from the spot and made several more critical saves.
The final nail in the coffin for Forest was when Kane scored the second goal (a header at close range). Yes, he confirmed victory for us, heading in from close range. This was nine minutes before the final whistle.
As I said earlier, Forest were positive throughout the game. Their new signings, Morgan Gibbs-White and forward Brennan Johnson, were particularly lively, but the Yids had numerous opportunities to extend our lead. In fact, we had seven shots on target to their one. We were made to work for our victory as Forest was pushed on by a noisy and optimistic home crowd and kept themselves in the game for significant periods.
Son was not his whole self again, however, he came close either side of the break, Kane also had efforts well blocked by their Robin Hood gang’s defender Joe Worrall, and Dejan Kulusevski curled a good strike wide of the post in the second half.
My thoughts
As I said, Henderson’s save to deny Kane from the spot, after Steve Cook’s handball on the line (he should have been sent off), was quickly followed by a big chance for Neco Williams, but he could not find the target.
Forest always continued to push for an equaliser, but Kane smashed their hopes when he headed in substitute Richarlison’s cross.
At the end of the game, we deserved our victory. It was an entertaining fixture with plenty of positiveness from Conte’s hard work with the team. It was an enjoyable fixture, and credit to Forest, there were plenty of positives for newly promoted Forest to take away with them.
Kane’s 200th league goal arrived within five minutes. His 2001 goal came 9 minutes before the end.
We produced many attacking moves as Forest tried to control the game in their search for an equaliser but were constantly exposed.
The second half was a different kettle of fish. Our chances grew as Forest attacked more in the second half, their Henderson was cheered enthusiastically with each important save to deny Son and Kane. Full credit to their keeper, who kept them in the game.
There will be no easy matches for us, well, maybe, Bournemouth… sadly their manager Scott Parker has been relieved of his duties for letting in 9 goals against Liverpool.
It was a game of fine margins as we survived periods of pressure from the hosts, while Forest defended courageously but could not convert their chances.
It was our third victory, with one draw in four games. We are currently 3rd in the Premier League, 2 points behind League leaders Woolwich and on equal points as second-placed City. Still all to play for.
Our next game is against the wet spammers this Wednesday.
After the game, we made our way back to the car… or I should say Mel went ahead and got his car and brought it to me. While I waited for Mel, Forest fans started to chat with me… with only one abuse, but quickly apologised, along with his mate. They obviously saw a disabled person and thought they would make a play, then quickly had second thoughts (maybe because I hadn’t retaliated but joked it off).
I got to Janette’s house at 9.30 at night, we had a nice drink together and watched the game all over again on Match of the Day. Before that, Janette had watched the game live on TV. Her favourite Spurs player is Richarlison. She kept screaming at the TV to bring him on, and like magic, he came on and contributed to Kane’s goal. The powerful thought process of a lady. Whether she goes or not, she is always cheering the Spurs on!
COYS!
Glenn
This post first appeared on SpursNetwork | Tottenham Hotspur Forum & Fansite, please read the originial post: here
