Michael Dawson says “full throttle” Nottingham Forest star gave Tottenham nightmares
Nottingham Forest Held to Goalless Draw by Tottenham as Williams’ Goal Is Ruled Out
Nottingham Forest were forced to settle for a point after Neco Williams had a second-half goal ruled out in their 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground.
Oliver Glasner’s side came closest to breaking the deadlock, but neither team produced enough quality in the final third as both defences remained well organised throughout the game.
Forest made one change from the side that drew 2-2 with Liverpool, with Liam Delap replacing Igor Jesus and making his first start for the club.
The £45 million striker quickly gave Forest more strength and physical presence in attack, but clear chances were hard to come by during a scrappy first half.
Murillo came close to producing a spectacular moment when a corner fell inside the Tottenham box, but his attempted overhead kick flew over Antonin Kinsky’s goal.
Tottenham looked dangerous at times through Omar Marmoush and Savio, but Forest defended well and kept Matz Sels protected. The visitors also struggled to create a real threat in front of goal.
In fact, Tottenham failed to register a single shot on target during the entire match.
James McAtee tested Kinsky with a long-range effort, but the biggest talking point came midway through the second half.
Delap found Morgan Gibbs-White inside the box, and the Forest captain’s effort created chaos on the goal line. Sandro Tonali failed to clear the danger before Williams reacted quickly and smashed the loose ball into the net.
The City Ground erupted as Forest appeared to have taken the lead.
However, VAR intervened.
A review showed that the ball had struck Williams’ hand as he attempted to reach it ahead of Jan Paul van Hecke. Referee Craig Pawson therefore ruled out the goal and awarded Tottenham a free kick.
Forest continued pushing for a winner and introduced Daniel Muñoz, who brought plenty of energy down the right after replacing Ola Aina on his debut.
Glasner also made further attacking changes as Forest searched for a late breakthrough, but Tottenham managed to survive the pressure.
Dominic Solanke headed over in the closing stages, but Forest remained solid at the back and secured another clean sheet.
The result means Forest are still without a Premier League win after three matches. However, there were positive signs from Glasner’s team, especially after their impressive performance in the 2-2 draw at Anfield the previous week.
Michael Dawson impressed by Liam Delap
Former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was particularly impressed by Liam Delap’s performance.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Dawson described the striker as an “absolute menace” and an “absolute handful”, while also praising the way he played with a “full throttle” attitude.
Although Delap could not mark his first start with a goal, he gave Forest a clear target in attack with his strength, movement and determination to put pressure on Tottenham’s defenders.
His pass to Gibbs-White also played a major part in the move that almost gave Forest their first league win of the season.
Glasner now has several options in the striker position, with Delap competing with Chris Wood and Igor Jesus for a regular starting role.
Wood remains a proven goalscorer, while Jesus offers pace and movement. Delap, meanwhile, brings a more aggressive style and looks ready to make life difficult for defenders.
His performance against Tottenham will have pleased Glasner, while Dawson’s praise shows just how much impact the new signing had despite failing to score.
Forest will need to become more clinical in front of goal, but Delap’s first start provided an encouraging glimpse of what he could bring to the team this season.
