Recap

Nottingham Forest Demolish Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in Stunning City Ground Rout

Nottingham Forest delivered a masterclass performance at the City Ground, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in a Premier League Matchweek 16 clash on December 14, 2025. Callum Hudson-Odoi starred with a brace, while Ibrahim Sangaré sealed the victory with a brilliant strike, exposing defensive frailties in a sorry Spurs side.

Forest Bounce Back in Style Under New Management

The Tricky Trees entered this fixture eager to build momentum after a disappointing defensive display in their previous loss to Everton. Under the guidance of Sean Dyche, Nottingham Forest showed resilience and clinical finishing, repeating their recent heroics against another top side following a 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. The City Ground erupted as Forest dominated from the outset, with the home crowd sensing an upset against a Tottenham team struggling for consistency.

Kickoff saw Forest immediately on the front foot, spraying attacks toward the Tottenham goal. Early pressure came from headers and follow-ups, setting the tone for a one-sided affair. Tottenham, visitors to Nottingham for this 9 AM ET start (broadcast on Peacock), appeared disjointed, unable to stem the red tide.

Hudson-Odoi’s Double Ignites Forest Fire

The breakthrough arrived courtesy of a catastrophic error from Tottenham’s Archie Gray. A misplaced pass from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario played straight to the alert Ibrahim Sangaré, who pounced with composure. Sangaré’s precise finish was parried, but Callum Hudson-Odoi was on hand to smash home the rebound, giving Forest a deserved 1-0 lead. It was a moment of horror for Gray and Vicario, highlighting Tottenham’s vulnerability at the back.

Hudson-Odoi, thriving on the left flank, twisted and turned Tottenham’s defenders with ease. In the build-up to his second, he received a pinpoint cross after interplay involving Morgan Gibbs-White and others. Beating his marker with slick footwork, Hudson-Odoi fired low and true into the net, doubling Forest’s advantage. His brace made him the hero of the day, showcasing pace, skill, and ruthless finishing that Tottenham could not counter.

Forest’s attacking fluency was evident throughout. Sequences like Nicolo Savona’s header off the post, followed by efforts from Jesus Williams and others, kept Spurs pinned. Gibbs-White’s back-heel and wide efforts added to the pressure, with Hudson-Odoi’s movement proving decisive.

Sangaré’s Stunner Puts Spurs to the Sword

The third goal was a thing of beauty from Ibrahim Sangaré, who curled a brilliant strike in off the post, leaving Vicario rooted to the spot. This capped a performance where Sangaré not only assisted the opener but also took his huge slice of credit for the clean sheet victory. It was the final nail in Tottenham’s coffin, turning a competitive match into a procession.

Tottenham rarely threatened. Forest’s counterattacks, spearheaded by players like Hutchinson and Eigor Jesus, sliced through midway. A studs-up challenge from Spurs’ Anderson on Simmons hinted at frustration, but referee decisions kept the game flowing in Forest’s favor.

Key Moments That Defined the Demolition

• Early Dominance: Forest’s opening onslaught included Savona’s header off the post and Williams forcing a save, signaling intent.
• Gray’s Gift: The turning point – Vicario’s errant pass to Gray, intercepted by Sangaré, leading to Hudson-Odoi’s opener.
• Hudson-Odoi Magic: Twisting past Bener, his low drive made it 2-0, reward for persistent wide play.
• Sangaré Screamer: A post-bound rocket ensured a 3-0 scoreline, Forest’s second successive 3-0 against big-six opposition.
• Defensive Solidity: Vicario dealt with follow-ups, but Forest’s backline, including Anderson’s clearances, held firm.

Tottenham’s Defensive Nightmares Exposed

For Tottenham, this was a day of despair. Archie Gray’s error epitomized a backline in disarray, with Vicario’s distribution under scrutiny. The Spurs failed to register a meaningful shot, as Forest’s midfield, led by Sangaré and Gibbs-White, dictated terms. This loss compounds Tottenham’s woes, contrasting sharply with Forest’s resurgence.

Notable incidents included a late studs-up lunge by Anderson, which ruffled feathers but didn’t derail Forest’s rhythm. Their final home game before Christmas became a festive triumph, boosting morale ahead of the holidays.

Standout Performances and Player Ratings

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Forest) – 9.5/10: Man of the match with two goals, tormenting defenders and delivering end product.

Ibrahim Sangaré (Forest) – 9/10: Assist, goal, and midfield mastery; his opportunism and strike were game-changers.

Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest) – 8/10: Creative spark with back-heels and crosses feeding the attack.

Archie Gray (Tottenham) – 4/10: Culprit in the opener, symptomatic of Spurs’ errors.

Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham) – 5/10: Poor pass led to first goal; otherwise untested but at fault.

Post-Match Implications for Premier League Table

This result catapults Nottingham Forest up the standings, affirming Sean Dyche’s impact since taking over. Their back-to-back 3-0 wins over Champions League contenders signal genuine top-half contention. Tottenham, meanwhile, slump further, with defensive lapses threatening their season ambitions.

The City Ground faithful celebrated wildly as the final whistle blew, Hudson-Odoi and Sangaré mobbed by teammates. For Spurs, it’s back to the drawing board, while Forest ride the wave of joy.

Match Statistics at a Glance

Statistic	Nottingham Forest	Tottenham Hotspur
Goals	3	0
Shots on Target	High (dominated)	Low
Possession	Balanced but effective	Less clinical
Goal Scorers	Hudson-Odoi (2), Sangaré (1)	None

Forest’s efficiency in both boxes proved decisive. Extended highlights capture the flair, from counters via Hutchinson to Savona’s efforts.

Manager Reactions and Looking Ahead

Sean Dyche’s Forest look transformed, blending defensive grit with attacking verve. Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou faces questions over squad depth. As Christmas looms, Forest head into the break with momentum, while Spurs lick their wounds.

This 3-0 masterclass underscores Forest’s resurgence. Hudson-Odoi’s brace and Sangaré’s brilliance lit up the City Ground, leaving Tottenham in ruins. A statement win for the Tricky Trees.