Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest bite dust as Tottenham snatch 2-0 win at City Ground

Nigeria’s Taiwo was absent as ten-man Tottenham condemned Nottingham Forest to a fifth Premier League defeat in six games.

The absence of the Nigerian striker was felt as the win for the visitors highlighted their will to finish in the top four in the most competitive inter-club competition in the world.

Richarlison’s third goal in two games set Spurs on their way, with the outstanding Dejan Kulusevski sealing victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Yves Bissouma was sent off in the 70th minute of the game, but it was not enough to change the direction of the game against the Spurs.

The result moves the London sides to fifth on the log, level on points with Manchester City.

The defending champions have a game at hand. A win for the Cityzens will separate the two sides.

After the defeat at home, Forest now sit 16th in the table, five points clear of the bottom three.

The club have won just once in their previous 13 and this may increase the pressure on boss Steve Cooper.

The club escaped relegation last season courtesy of brilliant performances by Awoniyi and his teammates.

Speaking on the progress of the injured striker, Steve Cooper declared that the 26-year-old is progressing well and staying positive.

“Taiwo’s injury is the obvious long-term one,” Cooper was quoted by the Nottingham Post.

“He is going well but he is a long, long way from being back involved in games.

“But his programme is going well. He had a positive appointment this week. He doesn’t enjoy being injured but he is staying positive in his mentality.”