Double trouble for Reds boss Nuno in defeat at Spurs
HEAD COACH POINTS TO TWO PIVOTAL MOMENTS DURING LOSS AGAINST TOTTENHAM
NUNO Espirito Santo pointed to two potentially decisive moments in the first half as he reflected on Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds remain out of the relegation zone on goal difference with six matches left to play but it might have been a different story in the capital. Chris Wood cancelled out a Murillo own goal to equalise for the visitors before the half hour mark, then hit the woodwork with a good chance shortly after.
Had the New Zealander’s effort gone in, it would have put a different complexion on the game. Likewise, if James Maddison had been sent off for a jab at Ryan Yates on the stroke of half-time.
“It doesn’t look like he punched him, he did punch him,” said Nuno. “I saw the image.
“I was surprised VAR didn’t tell Simon (referee Simon Hooper) to review it.
“With all my respects, it is a punch in the stomach of Yates and should have been reviewed and a different decision.
“I didn’t ask the referee about it. But I saw it, that’s why I have no problem telling you I didn’t see it the same way (as the officials). We do not agree, me and VAR.”
Wood had scored for the fourth game in a row to give the visitors hope of claiming a result.
However, with Forest unable to capitalise on a positive end to the first half, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro put the game to bed after the break.
“There are two moments in the first half we have mentioned that could change the game,” said Nuno, in reference to the Maddison incident and Wood’s miss.
“The first goal is beautiful – the way Chris took his shot and the movement on the right side. And then he had a good chance (to score again).
“Chris has been huge for us. He has been so important.
“What he does overcomes all of that.
“The first half was very good. The game we wanted to play, we achieved. We controlled Tottenham, had good spells, scored and had good chances.
“I’m disappointed with the way we started the second half and the way we conceded.
“We knew Tottenham would react.
“We should have been more aggressive, reduced the spaces and not allowed those moments.
“The difference between the halves is what makes me disappointed. I wanted the second half to sustain and go again but unfortunately we didn’t achieve it.”