EPL: Hudson-Odoi punish Vicario errors as Spurs struggles deepen at Forest
Guglielmo Vicario endured another damaging outing as Tottenham slumped to a deserved defeat at Nottingham Forest, compounding their inconsistency and halting recent form.
Forest were sharper, more aggressive and tactically superior throughout, capitalising on Spurs’ mistakes to move five points clear of the relegation zone.
Goalkeeper mistakes prove costly
Tottenham were under pressure early and survived an initial scare when Vicario saved Neco Williams’ follow-up after Ibrahim Sangaré hit the post.
The reprieve was short-lived. A careless pass from Vicario put Archie Gray under pressure, allowing Sangaré to pounce and tee up Callum Hudson-Odoi for a simple opener after 28 minutes.
Any hope of a response never materialised. Spurs lacked urgency, while Forest continued to press.
Forest ruthless, Spurs passive
Five minutes into the second half, Hudson-Odoi struck again as a floated cross drifted over Vicario, doubling Forest’s advantage.
Spurs remained flat and disjointed, offering little resistance. Sangaré capped the performance late on with a stunning 25-yard strike off the post to make it 3-0.
Forest’s display was efficient and disciplined, further evidence of Sean Dyche’s stabilising influence since his October arrival.
Tottenham regress again
For Tottenham, it was a clear regression. Following wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, this was arguably their poorest league performance of the season.
Key attackers were anonymous, Forest debutant John Victor was barely tested, and Spurs were second best in every department.
While Vicario’s errors were costly, responsibility extends across the squad. Thomas Frank faces renewed criticism as Spurs remain stuck in mid-table, with familiar questions resurfacing about direction, resilience and consistency.
What’s next
Nottingham Forest are away at Fulham (Dec 22), then home to Manchester City (Dec 27).
Meanwhile, Tottenham host Liverpool (Dec 20) before a London derby at Crystal Palace (Dec 28).
