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From quite the welcome pre-match to boos after Tottenham lose 3-0 to Nottingham Forest

From quite the welcome pre-match to ending the day with boos after Tottenham lose 3-0 to Nottingham Forest, more frustration for Spurs fans.

There was a crowd of fans before the game, starting at High Road before lunchtime, with more around the stadium with flares, some climbed lamp-posts and bus shelters, this was something rather different, in an attempt to fire up Tottenham’s players.

Then the football began and Igor Jesus headed Forest in front just before half-time, then Morgan Gibbs-White added a second, with substitute Taiwo Awoniyi wrapping up the win.

The result sees Forest move above Tottenham into 16th, three points clear of Premier League drop zone, while Spurs find themselves just a point above the relegation zone and yet to win a league game in 2026.

Tottenham coach Bruno Saltor, speaking to Sky Sports about why he has stepped in for Igor Tudor: “Personal matters, family matters and I am stepping in as it is not right time for him to speak.

“Every mistake right now is going against us, every detail is going against us and it affects the players as well.

“You can see how much they are fighting. We are in a difficult situation, everyone knows. In the first half we were the better team and need to be consistent with that.

“We were 1-0 down and wanted to be a little more aggressive with players coming back from injuries. It didn’t work as planned but it was our intention.

“It hurts us, it is painful, really painful, but the fans were outstanding today – from before the game until the end of the game.

“We need to carry on because we care, we care for Spurs, we are family and want to get out of this situation.

“I am 100% sure we can get through this situation.”

Saltor, speaking to BBC Match of the Day in manager Igor Tudor’s absence: “Igor is not here for family issues, so thought the best way to do is him not taking the press today. We just respect it.

“If we focus on the result today, it’s a tough one to take. It’s a really difficult one. If you focus on the last two games and the performance in the first half today, we were much better. But small details are going against us right now. The key is how we can be consistent with our performances throughout the 90 minutes.

“The players care and they get affected. We need to be stronger than that. We need to be focussed on what we want to do. We need to keep improving and getting better.

“We are in a relegation battle. Everyone knows. We are conscious of it. The players, they know. The most important thing is to be together. The fans showed they were next to us. From the start to the finish,, they were outstanding. We felt the support. For us, we need to be stay connected. We need to get even closer when there are problems like a family. That’s the message.

“Still 21 points to play for. We have shown we can compete against any team. We need to keep improving and getting better to get those points.”

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, speaking to Sky Sports: “The season is tough, especially in this moment. Another very bad [result] for us, another lose the game at home. The first thing is for the fans is thank you for today and every day as they stay with us.

“The situation is tough but most important thing is play like a final now. It is a bad season, obviously the first responsibility is with me.

“For me the first thing is when we play here with Atletico Madrid and fantastic game. The first half we were good but the second half we lost the confidence and lose the ball.

“It is painful, it is a sad day but the most important thing is go national team then come back here for the final seven finals.”

Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to Sky Sports : “It means the spirit of the team, the character and the personality. It was not easy.

“We started the game in a good way, after 15-20 minutes we started to lose some long balls – the first ball, the second ball. They cross a lot and they play aggressive on the duels.

“The first half was difficult but at half time I asked the team to play the way they started the game as that was our game.

“They showed their personality, character and quality and we deserved to win.

“They have the spirit to face this kind of game. It is not just about this game, it is about the next seven games and we need to have this personality. In the end I am very happy with the team and the supporters because they deserve it. They provided the energy we needed to get the three points.

“Sometimes we create a lot of chances but don’t score. We have quality to score goals. We cannot create a monster in our minds because sometimes we create one chance and score a goal.

“It is good for the moment and good for the belief because we need to believe in ourselves. It is not about Tottenham, it is not about West Ham, it is not about Leeds it is about us. It is about what we want for next season.

“We are alive, we are committed and we are ready to fight.”

Pereira, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “We started with a good level. But after 15-20 minutes, we started to lose a lot of possession, second balls and duels. We conceded a lot of set-pieces. We suffered until half-time.

“In the second half, I asked them to be themselves and play at our level. I asked them to play the same way we started the game and told them something will happen. And I am happy that they played with personality and organisation. It was an important win.

“I have a team that have the quality to play with the ball. But it’s difficult to play in our way if you lose the ball often. Tottenham were very aggressive in the duels. It was not our intention to defend but they pushed us. We had some luck till half-time.

“But it was a good time to score the opener. We studied our opponents during the set-pieces and we scored. Set-pieces and even throw-ins are very important at the moment as in football, in every situation, we can get a goal.

“After the [Europa League game] in Denmark, it was important to rest. I tried to balance the energy. The players who played against Midtjylland and today showed that they have the quality to face the next games.

“For me, it’s just three points. We got it. Next game, we have the chance to do it again. And we need to go there to get those points again. This will go on until the end of the season.”

Nottingham Forest goalscorer Morgan Gibbs-White speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s absolutely a huge result. There was a lot of worry going into this game and about the outcome. But the boys were incredible.

“We defended with our lives today. We knew we needed to bring that fire, energy and commitment and the boys showed that in abundance today.

“I was delighted we got the three points because it creates some gap now. But we can’t just focus on that. We need to keep looking forward and keep focussing on the next game.”

On his goal: “I can’t say it was written in the stars. I am just doing my best to help this team. I have shown that since the first day of coming here. It’s not been clean sailing. But we all stick together – the manager, the owner, the fans and the players.

“I am delighted to be on the scoresheet but more importantly, it’s the three points won. Taking three points here and having a bit of time off now to get relaxed and get ready for the fixtures that is to come. I can’t wait for a few days off now.”

There was plenty of reaction online following on from quite the welcome pre-match to boos after Tottenham lose 3-0 to Nottingham Forest…

@HotspurLane: It’s disgusting that we as fans do all of this, get to the ground 3 hours before kick off to line the streets to welcome a team that hasn’t won a league game this year. These players don’t deserve these #THFC fans at all!

@PaulWJsouth: Should show the same energy to get the board to sell

@Spurs_Zone: I honestly don’t get why rival fans are laughing at us for the atmosphere we are building today. It’s called real support and being there even when your team is utter shit.

@oJaayCo: This ownership do not deserve these fans.

@vkon1: I get this and agree with the sentiment. But we can’t put out a mission statement saying “we can’t control what happens on the pitch, but we will provide everything you need off it” and then have the hump when we don’t get what we need on the pitch.

@nick_davison10: The Lewis Family & ENIC do not deserve us. A football club killed by absolute cretins.

@rowloefc: In all fairness those players need a long hard look at themselves. The fans turned up for them and they couldn’t be arsed. I’d be fuming if I was a spurs fan.

@IWPO1D: I’m the first in my bloodline to witness a football team have a relegation battle parade 😭😭😭

@spurssglobal: To perform like THAT in the atmosphere the fans provided is beyond disgusting. Fans deserve so much more. 🤢🤢

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