Tottenham 1-2 Nottingham Forest: How Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are bucking possession trend

“You cannot ignore when you are in front the priority is to contain and block the game,” said Nuno.

“We help each other in every situation, give balance, help each other, clear things off the line.”

They are also ahead of 12 other Premier League teams in many of the key defensive metrics, making the most clearances and headed clearances, while they rank highly for most interceptions (eight), tackles (seven) and saves (seven).

Only champions-elect Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal can boast a better defence than Forest’s, which has conceded just 39 goals in 33 games, while in Matz Sels they have the goalkeeper who is leading the way in the fight for the Golden Glove this season.

The Belgian has kept 13 clean sheets so far this season in the Premier League and was only denied a 14th by Richarlison’s late header, after stopping the striker with a brilliant save a few minutes earlier.

“You might be critical of other teams for sinking deep, but Forest actually want to do that and say ‘we’ll back ourselves’,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.

“I don’t think you should be praising Tottenham too much for having so many shots or being on the ball, Nottingham Forest allow you to do that.”