Tottenham player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: five score 6/10 but one 'reckless' 4/10 in hard-fought win

Tottenham had to dig deep at the City Ground but deserved their 2-0 win in the end against a spirited Nottingham Forest side. Richarlison scored from a brilliant Dejan Kulusevski cross late in the first half to give his side something to hold on to. 

Forest have struggled this season for goals, but this was a much-improved performance up until the 60th minute. Fuelled by their home fans, they chased, hurried and stopped Spurs from playing their free-flowing football until Kulusevski blasted in the second for the visitors. 

Steve Cooper's team had been good for most parts, creating chances and looking like getting something from the game, but the second goal seemed to have broken their spirits before a moment of madness from Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma gave them renewed hope. 

The Malian midfielder was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Forest midfielder Ryan Yates, and with 20 minutes plus added time to go, the home side threw the kitchen sink at the visitors in search of a goal that would set it all up for a nerve-racking end to the game. 

But try as they did, Tottenham held on, using the ball wisely backed by the introduction of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for goal scorer Richarlison, and some world-class saves from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario ensured they secured all three points.

These were crucial points for manager Ange Postecoglou as they aim for a top-four finish or better, but they came at a price with forward Brennan Johnson leaving the field early due to a head injury and Yves Bissouma's moment of madness further highlighting the need for calm heads and minds in the team. 

Here is how we rated every Spurs player out there today.