Spurs win 2-0 at Forest to stay on heels of Premier League top four

Tottenham Hotspur inched closer to the Premier League top four ranking after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Friday thanks to goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski, ranking fifth on the table with 33 points leveling to Manchester City.

The Lilywhites found form again since their last encounter against Newcastle from whom they took a 4-1 victory last weekend. They enjoyed a dreamy run in the beginning of the season, but slumped to a winless run of five straight games throughout November. With 22 matches remaining on their fixture, they still retain the hope of qualifying for the Champions League next year.

On Friday, the Brazilian international opened the lead for the Spurs in the first-half stoppage time, heading home from a superb Kulusevski cross. This was his fourth goal of the season, and the third from the most recent two games. Later in the second half, Kulusevski netted in a goal after Forest keeper Matt Turner loosely passed the ball in his direction.

A red card that sent off Bissouma for a dangerous foul ruled after a video referee assistance (VAR) check lifted the home team's hope again, after a goal from Anthony Elanga was disallowed as an offside when it appeared they had reduced the deficit created by Richarlison.

Tottenham have now played one more match than both fourth-ranked City and leaders Liverpool, who are four points clear than the Spurs. Forest, with a win-less run extended to six games, sit 16th with 14 points, five points above the relegation zone in their second season since promotion.

"It's a tough game here, you have to earn whatever you get," said Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, "They (Forest) are obviously pretty desperate for points. For the most part, we stayed pretty calm and composed ... I'm really pleased."

"We are in a little dip at the moment in form," said Forest defender Neco Williams. "This is football. We have to stick together and the results will come eventually."

"You saw the crowd today, they love the manager and we love the manager as well. We believe in him and the fans believe in him, it is just a matter of time to pick up the results," he added.

Totteham Hotspur will meet Everton next, and Nottingham Forest will face Bournemouth, both at home.