Tottenham moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, which saw Yves Bissouma sent off.
Goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski either side of half-time made it consecutive victories for Spurs. But the selection problems continue to mount for Ange Postecoglou after Brennan Johnson suffered a cut head, which forced him off in the first half, while Bissouma was sent off and Destiny Udogie picked up a fifth yellow card.
Bissouma caught Ryan Yates with his studs with 20 minutes to play but 10-man Spurs held on to increase the pressure on Forest boss Steve Cooper.
Here's how we rated the Spurs players...
Kulusevski fires home after a GIFT from Turner! 💥🎁 pic.twitter.com/Z3SaFYcrep
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2023
Guglielmo Vicario 8
Made an acrobatic save to deny Anthony Elanga, albeit from an offside position, in the first half and kept out Harry Toffolo's effort late on. Commanded his area well, one flap aside.
Pedro Porro 7
Impressive on the ball again and created a chance for Son with a disguised pass.
Cristian Romero 7
Played on the edge as usual but avoided the booking which would have ruled him out of the next game. Good in possession.
Excellent with and without the ball. Has he been wasted at left-back all these years?
Destiny Udogie 7
A fifth booking of the season - harsh but a little naive - will rule him out of the Everton game on December 23. Carried the ball forward with purpose.
Yves Bissouma 5
Sent off for a second time this season for a studs-up challenge. He was going for the ball but it was a little clumsy. With the AFCON coming up, Spurs are unlikely to see him again until February.
Pape Sarr 7
Involved in the build-up to Richarlison's goal but his passing was loose in the first half, and he twice gave away possessions in dangerous areas. His energy was important against a fired-up Forest.
Dejan Kulusevski 8
Spurs' most important player against low-blocks? Created Richarlison's goal with a stunning cross, having earlier made chances for Son and Johnson in the first half, and scored the second with help from two errors by goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Brennan Johnson 6
Drew a save from Turner with a snap-shot in the first half but his return was short-lived after he suffered a nasty gash to the head.
Heung-min Son 6
Shot at Turner either side of half-time but was well shackled by Forest, who gave the Korean some rough treatment.
Richarlison 7
Took his goal to superbly to make the breakthrough at the perfect time. Coming to the boil nicely for Spurs.
Richarlison just can't stop scoring! 💥
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2023
A brilliant ball in and the Tottenham striker makes no mistake with his header! 👏 pic.twitter.com/fLvMBSWQYS
Substitutes
Oliver Skipp (Johnson 32') 6
Got around the pitch but looked rusty in possession.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Richarlison 72') 6
Generally good in these backs-to-the-wall scenarios and set up a late chance for Porro.
Emerson Royal (Son 88') 6
Helped Spurs to see out the game a man down.
Alejo Veliz (Kulusevski, 90') N/A
