The whistle has blown for half-time at the City Ground, and it’s time for our Spurs first-half player ratings in the Premier League.
Tottenham trail 1–0 at the break after a costly error involving Guglielmo Vicario and Archie Gray, gifting Nottingham Forest the opener following a strong home start.
Player Ratings (First Half)
Guglielmo Vicario – 6/10
The Tottenham number one was tested early, producing a save inside the opening five minutes as Forest started brightly. However, his involvement in the mistake for the goal takes some shine off an otherwise steady half.
Pedro Porro – 6/10
Operating in a hybrid role, Porro frequently drifted into midfield to add numbers centrally while still offering width when overlapping Mohammed Kudus. Defensively, he has had a relatively quiet half with Forest focusing attacks down Spurs’ left.
Cristian Romero – 7/10
Romero has played with real aggression, thriving in Thomas Frank’s high defensive line. He stayed tight to Igor Jesus, threw himself into crunching tackles, and ensured Forest forwards were given no room to breathe.
Micky van de Ven – 7/10
Showed his elite recovery pace and awareness when bailing out Xavi Simons after a loose pass allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to threaten. Calm and decisive when called upon.
Djed Spence – 6/10
Forest’s best chance came down Spence’s side, with a dangerous cross eventually met by Sangaré, who struck the post. Omari Hutchinson attempted to test him, but Spence largely stood firm.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7/10
Sharp and combative in midfield. Bentancur has been quick to intercept, tackle, and disrupt Forest’s rhythm, offering much-needed bite in the centre of the park.
Archie Gray – 4/10
A difficult half for the teenager. He made a strong block to deny Hutchinson from a corner but was later caught in possession while building from the back, leading directly to Forest’s goal. Nearly redeemed himself with a clean strike from a loose ball in the box, but the effort was saved.
Xavi Simons – 5/10
Given freedom to roam and clearly encouraged to get on the ball. He has looked lively in moments but has been sloppy at times with his touch and passing.
Mohammed Kudus – 5/10
A quiet display so far. Kudus has struggled to isolate defenders and, when he has found space, he has often run into trouble rather than creating clear openings.
Richarlison – 5/10
Largely anonymous in the first half. Spurs have gone long too often, and Richarlison has found himself outmuscled by Milenković and Murillo in an unfavourable physical matchup.
Randal Kolo Muani – 5/10
Deployed out wide and mostly ineffective. He showed promise on one occasion by carrying the ball forward from deep but failed to capitalise, with poor decision-making in the final third.
Half-Time Verdict
Tottenham have shown flashes of intensity and control, particularly in defence and central midfield, but individual errors and a lack of cutting edge in attack leave them chasing the game at the break.
