Despite losing, it was a good performance from the home team, who played on the front foot for large parts of the game. However, they struggled to threaten the Tottenham goal.
Whilst Tottenham defended very well throughout, still creating chances on the counter, resulting in two Harry Kane goals.
They took the lead early with a smart pass from Dejan Kulusevski to Kane, who finished brilliantly.
Later in the game, Steve Cook handled the ball in the box which gifted Tottenham a penalty. However, Kane could not put the ball away, thanks to a great save from Dean Henderson from the spot.
He did make it 2 in the closing 10 minutes of play, after good work from substitute Richarlison, who put an excellent ball into Kane to finish.
It was not the most perfect of wins for Antonio Conte, but a big three points which he will happily take. Here is how the players rated at The City Ground:
Nottingham Forest
Dean Henderson - 8/10
Made some crucial stops to keep the game at 1-0, including a penalty save to deny Kane. There was not too much he could do to stop the two Kane goals, but another impressive performance from the goalkeeper.
Joe Worrall - 6/10
Joe Worrall was involved in some good defensive work, most notably an excellent recovery challenge to stop Kane from going through. A solid performance despite conceding twice.
Steve Cook - 4/10
Not an amazing 75 minutes for the centre-back. Struggled to keep up with Kane for the first goal, whilst handling the ball away from Kane to concede a pen, which he went on to miss.
Scott Mckenna - 6/10
Did not offer too much but brought the ball out well from the left and did some good defensive work.
Neco Williams - 7/10
The right wing-back offered great energy throughout the match, constantly up and down the touchline, whilst always keeping his width which gave a great out ball for his teammates - A very good performance from Liverpool Loanee.
Harry Toffolo - 6/10
The wingback was often caught with a difficult battle for Kulusevski on his side. However, doing his best work further up, placing some good balls into the Tottenham box.
Ryan Yates - 6/10
A good player in possession but was often caught high up in transitions, struggling to get back during Tottenham counters.
Lewis O’Brien - 7/10
Controlled the game for Forest and was a huge reason for their high possession. Always made himself an option and used his great passing range to progress the ball further up.
Morgan Gibbs-White - 7/10
Looked like a real threat all game, he used his quick feet to drive his team forward along with his powerful and quick pace. Played some great balls into the box and set his teammates free, a great performance.
Jesse Lingard - 6/10
Combined well with Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White, playing quick but calmy during counter-attacks. Solid performance.
Brennan Johnson - 7/10
Excellent throughout, always a threat to that spurs defence and got in behind on multiple occasions. A workhorse for Forest, ran all game and was often leading the press for Cooper’s side.
Cheikhou Kouyate (75’) – N/A
Remo Freuler (75’) – N/A
Emmanuel Dennis (69’) - 6/10
A good cameo from the ex-Watford man. He brought needed energy for Forest as they chased a goal back and was a real handful for Spurs at times, with his pace and close control dribbling.
Taiwo Awoniyi (75’) – N/A
Sam Surridge (90+1’) – N/A
Tottenham
Hugo Lloris - 6/10
Little to do all game, with just one shot for him to deal with. However, distributed the ball well and came out of his box well when needed.
Davinson Sanchez - 7/10
Kept his shape and positioning well, whilst being very calm on the ball when under pressure, finding simple but effective passes around the back. Keeps his great record without conceding for Spurs.
Eric Dier - 6/10
Alike Davinson Sanchez, he maintained calmness on the ball and played out well, whilst being good in the tackle. Solid outing.
Ben Davies - 6/10
Did not offer too much but another player who helped keep the defence compact, making it harder for the Forest attackers.
Emerson Royal - 6/10
A good defensive performance from the Brazillian. Made plenty of challenges and kept his shape well. Although had next to no impact further up the pitch.
Ivan Perisic – 6/10
Battled well with Williams on the opposing side, however, found himself being pushed back by the Welshman who often maintained a high position. Made a good cross into the box in the second half but struggled to create much further up.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 7/10
Won the ball well in midfield and was often the start of many counterattacks for Tottenham. His best highlight, playing a perfect ball through to Kane in the 13th minute.
Rodrigo Bentancur - 6/10
Was not a standout performance but quietly did his business. Made himself available for the ball and got back well when caught high up the pitch.
Dejan Kulusevski - 8/10
Played a lovely ball into Kane for the first goal and was a constant threat on the right-hand side. Looked like Spurs’ biggest threat in the final 20 minutes, a good performance from the Swede.
Son Heung-Min – 8/10
Despite not being involved in either of the goals, Son Heung-Min was always a threat on the counterattack. His pure pace and direct dribbling were hard to stop at times, as well as his connection with Kane.
Harry Kane - 9/10
Not his most polished performance but a proper striker’s performance, despite being denied from the spot. He was involved in everything good for Tottenham, linking play well, whilst being in the right place at the right time. Two more in his chase for all-time Premier League top scorer!
Substitutes
Djed Spence (90+1’) – N/A
Yves Bissouma (83’) – N/A
Ryan Sessegnon (74’) – N/A
Richarlison (74’) - 7/10
A good performance from the bench, gaining an assist in the process. The Brazilian did well to win the ball back and put an excellent outside-the-boot cross for Kane to head into an empty net.