Nuno Espirito Santo expressed his satisfaction with Nottingham Forest’s position as they engage in the battle for a Champions League berth and an FA Cup semi-final following their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.
With this win, Forest climbed back to third in the league standings and find themselves in a prime position among the five contenders vying for Champions League qualification, trailing only Liverpool and Arsenal.
“We’re in a competition that no one expected, not even us,” Espirito Santo remarked.
“We are mixing it with some of the biggest clubs, and that fills us with pride. We wholeheartedly embrace this challenge,” he added, reflecting on his tenure at Spurs.
Forest raced to a two-goal lead, with Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood both finding the net within the opening 16 minutes, before they expertly absorbed the pressure from Tottenham. Although Richarlison managed to reduce the deficit with a header in the 87th minute, Forest held firm to secure the win.
This impressive season for Forest could see an exciting twist this weekend as they prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
“We’re looking forward to a significant week for us. We’re headed to Wembley to take on a formidable opponent, and there are plenty of matches ahead. As long as we maintain this competitive spirit, you never know what might happen.”
Despite having most of the ball and registering 22 shots to Forest’s four, Tottenham were unable to break through, as Espirito Santo has instilled a strategy focused on counter-attacks and high intensity.
He commended defender Harry Toffolo for his rare starting appearance, particularly highlighting a fantastic clearance off the line, and praised Chris Wood for netting his 19th league goal of the season.
“Even if a player doesn’t start regularly, I still trust that he will contribute,” he stated. “And Harry certainly did that.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
