Michael Dawson says “full throttle” Nottingham Forest star gave Tottenham nightmares
Nottingham Forest were forced to settle for a point after Neco Williams saw a second half goal ruled out in their 0-0 draw with Tottenham at the City Ground.
Oliver Glasner’s side came closest to breaking the deadlock, but neither team produced enough quality in a match largely controlled by two well-organized defences.
Forest made one change from the team that drew 2-2 at Liverpool, with Liam Delap replacing Igor Jesus and making his first start for the club.
The £45 million striker immediately gave the hosts a more physical presence through the middle, but clear chances were difficult to find during a scrappy first half.
Murillo attempted to produce something special when a corner dropped inside the Tottenham area, but his ambitious overhead kick sailed over Antonin Kinsky’s goal.
Tottenham carried a threat through Omar Marmoush and Savio, although Forest protected Matz Sels well, and both forwards struggled for end product.
The visitors also failed to record a shot on target across the entire game.
|
Stats |
Nottingham Forest |
Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
|
Possession |
41% |
59% |
|
Total shots |
12 |
12 |
|
Shots on target |
2 |
0 |
|
Expected goals |
1.40 |
1.59 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
2 |
|
Big chances missed |
1 |
2 |
|
Corners |
2 |
10 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
11 |
30 |
|
Passes completed |
243 |
379 |
|
Pass accuracy |
77% |
84% |
|
Fouls committed |
21 |
12 |
|
Yellow cards |
2 |
2 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
0 |
|
Offsides |
2 |
1 |
James McAtee tested Kinsky from distance at the other end, but the biggest moment arrived midway through the second half.
Delap played Gibbs-White into space inside the area. His captain’s effort caused panic on the goal line, where Sandro Tonali failed to clear before Williams forced the loose ball into the net.
The City Ground erupted, only for a VAR check to show that the ball had struck Williams’ hand as he tried to reach it ahead of Jan Paul van Hecke.
Referee Craig Pawson disallowed the goal and awarded Tottenham a free kick.
Forest continued searching for a winner, with Daniel Muñoz offering energy from the right after replacing Ola Aina on his debut.
Glasner changed his attack, but Spurs survived the late pressure. Dominic Solanke headed over in the closing stages, although Forest never looked in serious danger of losing their clean sheet.
The draw leaves the Reds without a win after three Premier League matches, but there were encouraging signs following their strong display at Anfield a week earlier.
Michael Dawson hails Liam Delap in Nott’m Forest draw with Tottenham
Former Forest and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was particularly impressed by Delap’s contribution.
Dawson told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday that the forward had been an “absolute menace” and an “absolute handful”, while also praising his “full throttle” approach.
Delap did not mark his first start with a goal, but he gave Forest a clear target through his strength, movement and willingness to chase defenders.
His pass to Gibbs-White also created the move which almost delivered Forest’s first league victory of the season.
Glasner now has several different options through the middle, with Delap competing against Chris Wood and Jesus for the main striker role.
Wood remains a proven goalscorer, while Jesus offers mobility. Delap provides a more aggressive presence and appears determined to make every defensive battle uncomfortable.
That approach clearly impressed Dawson and could quickly make the summer signing a popular figure at the City Ground.
Forest will need more cutting edge in the weeks ahead, but Delap’s first start offered a promising glimpse of what he can bring.
