By KBC Associate 
Nottingham Forest’s bid to move third in the Premier League made an excellent start when Nuno Espirito Santo’s side took a fifth-minute lead at Tottenham on Monday – and the visitors almost scored a second inside 10 minutes before Chris Wood eventually doubled their lead.
Midfielder Anderson’s first-time shot from the edge of the box was deflected past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who mistimed coming off his line to allow Wood to head past him from Anthony Elanga’s cross and compound Spurs’ misery in the 17th minute.
What a start for Forest! 💢
Elliot Anderson’s deflected effort finds its way in! 💥 pic.twitter.com/B0JXRlycwD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2025
Wood struck from Anderson’s delivery in between the goals, but the effort was ruled out by semi-automated offside technology as part of a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
Spurs vs Forest: VAR gives Tottenham brief respite
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been an outspoken critic of VAR and was clearly unhappy with the time taken to decide Wood was offside.
The Australian, who stood with his arms out while the check took place, has said VAR delays during games are “killing” football as a spectacle.
Postecoglou’s mood was worsened by watching his players make a dismal start as they attempted to avoid successive top-flight defeats following their 4-2 loss at Wolves on April 13.
The cross, the finish 👨🍳
Chris Wood is BACK! 😤 pic.twitter.com/alaBrVtDmN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 21, 2025
Spurs ‘car crash’ vs Forest
“It’s ridiculous, this,” former England forward Alan Smith told Sky Sports after Wood pounced for the 19th goal of the finest season of his career.
“It’s ridiculously easy for Nottingham Forest. Chris Wood cannot believe his luck. It’s a car crash from Spurs.”
Europa League semi-finalists Spurs started in 16th and will rise three places if they avoid an 11th defeat in 33 league games this season.
You don’t stop those. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Rq5nHf3rnu
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 21, 2025
Champions League: Forest on course
Wilson Odobert threatened to reply for Tottenham with a curling strike from distance, although Matz Sels was not unduly troubled as the goalkeeper turned the ball around a post.
Forest remain strong contenders for Champions League qualification but started the evening in sixth after successive defeats at Aston Villa and at home to Everton.
Victory would lift them above Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle and give them a three-point cushion over the sixth-placed Blues with five league matches remaining.