Tottenham responded to their difficult week with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest to strengthen their grip on fourth-place.
Harry Kane’s first half double, the second from the penalty spot, and Heung-min Son’s strike put Antonio Conte’s team in complete control against the top-flight’s worst away side but Joe Worrall headed home a late consolation for the visitors before Fraser Forster saved a stoppage-time penalty from Andre Ayew.
The win moved Spurs six points clear of Liverpool, who lost at Bournemouth earlier in the day.
Dan Kilpatrick was at White Hart Lane to rate the Spurs players...
Fraser Forster 8
At fault for Worrall’s consolation, but saved Ayew’s penalty and earlier made a spectacular one-handed save to deny Serge Aurier. Also stood up well to efforts by Brennan Johnson and Emmanuel Dennis, and distribution was good.
Cristian Romero 7
Played in Richarlison for the third goal with an excellent pass down the right and rarely flustered defensively.
Eric Dier 7
Made a comfortable return to the side after a two-game absence.
Clement Lenglet 5
Once caught flat-footed by Johnson and static at the back post for Worrall’s goal.
Got his first assist for the club with a lovely cross for Kane’s header and played in the captain ahead of Richarlison winning the penalty. Tired in second half but his displays have been one of the big positives of Spurs’ difficult week.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 7
Steady and combative in the heart of midfield, albeit against limited Forest resistance.
Oliver Skipp 8
Denied a cracking assist for Richarlison by the VAR in an eye-catching display. Always showing for the ball and snapped into tackles. Unlucky to be booked for one full-blooded challenge.
Ben Davies 7
Got up and down well, and nearly created a goal for Richarlison with a flicked header.
Richarlison 8
A fractional offside denied him a first League goal, and the perfect response to his frustrated comments in the week and Conte’s reaction to them. Was heavily involved and crossed for Son’s clincher.
Heung-min Son 8
A lively performance from the start and took his goal smartly. Unlucky not to make further contributions.
Harry Kane 8
Opened the scoring with a trademark header and finished coolly from the spot, having played in Richarlison. Decisive.
Subs
Dejan Kulusevski (Richarlison 84’) 5
Carelessly gave away a stoppage-time penalty by flapping at a loose ball with his hand. Nearly scored with a trademark bust inside but effort was blocked.
Lucas Moura (Heung-min Son 84’) 6
Busy in another late cameo.
Pape Matar Sarr (Skipp 90’) N/A
Not used: Austin, Sanchez, Perisic, Danjuma, Tanganga, Mundle.
