EPL: Forest strengthen their position to qualify for UCL next season
LONDON: Chris Wood scored his 19th goal in the English Premier League (EPL) this season as Nottingham Forest recorded a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at home early this morning, thus lifting the team to third place in the league table.
A string of defeats in the league had previously hampered Forest's bid to qualify for the Champions League (UCL) and they started the match in sixth place.
However, Forest managed to get back on track thanks to a brilliant start in north London.
Nuno Espirito Santo's team took the lead as early as the 5th minute when Elliot Anderson's quick kick from outside the penalty box was deflected by the opposing defender before the ball went into the net.
Wood's goal was first disallowed by VAR for offside before he doubled Forest's lead with a header from Anthony Elanga's cross in the 16th minute.
Tottenham then raised their game after a lacklustre start and Richarlison responded to their efforts with a powerful header that beat Matz Sels in the 87th minute, sparking a thrilling finish.
But Forest held on until the end of the game to move above Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the race for the top four places on 60 points.
Tottenham, who are currently in 16th place with 37 points following their 18th league defeat of the season, can still salvage their season by winning the Europa League.
"This result is very important for us. It's a big game to get three points. All the players showed fighting spirit and we are very excited," said Anderson.
"We really needed this win after two losses. We bounced back and it means a lot. We have to keep believing until the last game. We will keep fighting."
With the remaining matches of the season considered relatively easy, Forest are now in a good position to return to Europe's elite stage - the Champions League - which they won twice in a row in 1979 and 1980, but have not participated in for the past 45 years.
Forest's season has the potential to get even sweeter this weekend when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.-REUTERS
