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Articles by Sam French
Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur head to Nottingham Forest
Spurs' Micky van de Ven on the ball during last week's home defeat to Newcastle United. (Image: Shaun Brooks-CameraSport). Tottenham Hotspur made several signings during the summer window and there was a hope that this season would be different. In the last two Premier League campaigns they finished in 17th place but this season Roberto De Zerbi will be hoping for more. However, they have kicked off the new season with successive league defeats.
Tottenham Hotspur 2026/27 Season Preview: Can Roberto De Zerbi's side finally start to look upwards?
Spurs in action during their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. (Photo: Fiona Goodall via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult two seasons as they have registered back-to-back 17th placed finishes in the Premier League. The side from North London did claim the UEFA Europa League title in May 2025, under manager Ange Postecoglou, but that did not lead to an improvement in their domestic campaign last season.
Pre-Match Analysis: England prepare to take on New Zealand
England captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham celebrating a win during England's qualification campaign. (Photo: Francesco Scaccianoce UEFA via Getty Images.) The 2026 World Cup is less than a week away, although England do not play their first group stage game until Wednesday 17th June. Before then, Thomas Tuchel's side have two friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica. The games are being held as part of England's warm-weather training camp in Florida.
Four things we learnt from Crystal Palace's 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano in Conference League final
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates scoring the only goal of the game in the second half. (Photo: Thomas Eisenhuth UEFA via Getty Images.) Crystal Palace ended their season on a high, after lifting the UEFA Conference League trophy in Leipzig. After winning the FA Cup last season and the Community Shield earlier this season, they have now added a European title to their trophy cabinet. It has not always been easy for the Eagles this season but it has ended with success.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth
The Forest players celebrate Morgan Gibbs-White's opener. (Photo: Ritchie Sumpter via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest ended the Premier League season with a draw against Bournemouth. There was not too much between the sides in the end. Andoni Iraola's Cherries extended their unbeaten run to 18 games and secured a sixth place finish and European football. The side from the south coast will be competing in the UEFA Europa League next season.
Tottenham vs Everton: De Zerbi’s side fight for survival
The South Stand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the game against Brighton last month. (Photo: Visionhaus via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to secure Premier League safety in midweek, losing 2-1 at London rivals Chelsea. On a night where their closest geographical rivals in Arsenal claimed their first league title in 22 years, Spurs still face the very real possibility of relegation.
Tottenham vs Everton Pre-Match Analysis: De Zerbi’s side fight for survival
The Tottenham fans unveil a TIFO in the South Stand before the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to secure Premier League safety in midweek, losing 2-1 at London rivals Chelsea.
How a defeat to Man City inspired Arsenal to the Premier League title
Arsenal fans celebrate the confirmation of the title win. (Photo: Julian Finney via Getty Images.) Arsenal have won their first Premier League title in 22 years. They led the way at the top of the table for much of the season but did lose that lead to rivals Manchester City in mid April. The game at the Etihad Stadium was labelled as a title decider by many and it was Pep Guardiola'sCity side that came out on top winning 2-1.
Four things we learnt from Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea
Richarlison pulled a goal back for Spurs in the second half but it was not enough to change the outcome. (Photo: Justin Setterfield via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur had the chance to secure Premier League survival with a draw against Chelsea. Roberto De Zerbi's side started the game in a positive way and looked to get forward and create some early openings. Mathys Tel hit the post with a header early on and it was a promising start.
Four things we learnt from Arsenal's 1-0 win over Burnley
A goal from Kai Havertz was the difference between the two sides. (Photo: Julian Finney via Getty Images.) Arsenal beat the already relegated Burnley 1-0 after a first half goal from Kai Havertz. The German headed home from a Bukayo Saka corner in the 37th minute to put the Gunners in front. Many may have then expected that the league leaders would add to their lead throughout the second half. That was not the case though.
Four things we learnt from Forest's 3-2 defeat at Man United
Man United's Casemiro protects the ball from Forest's Elliot Anderson. (Photo: Lee Parker- CameraSport via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest secured their Premier League status last weekend and headed to the north west without the pressure of a relegation battle. They did not start the game at Old Trafford in the way they would have wanted though as they found themselves behind after just five minutes.
Nottingham Forest prepare to face Manchester United
Forest's Chris Wood celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in a 3-2 win last season. (Photo: Oli Scarff via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest secured their place in next season's Premier League after a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United and results elsewhere going in their favour. A remarkable run of form has contributed towards them staying in the division and having two games to spare. A trip to Old Trafford will not be easy.
Four things we learnt from Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 draw with Leeds United
Mathys Tel celebrates putting Spurs ahead before Leeds equalised. (Photo: Alex Pantling via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur are fighting for Premier League survival, along with West Ham. They do still have a two-point lead over the Hammers, but missed the chance to extend that gap. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest were both guaranteed to stay up on Sunday, after Arsenal beat West Ham.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United
Former Newcastle player Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring the Forest equaliser with Neco Williams. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest will be playing Premier League football again next season. A draw with Newcastle United and Arsenal's victory over West Ham means that they have avoided relegation to the Championship with two games to spare. It was not an easy game against Eddie Howe's side.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest head to Chelsea
The Forest players celebrate scoring a goal at Stamford Bridge in a 1-1 draw last season. (Photo: Ritchie Sumpter via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest are on a nine game unbeaten run in all competitions. Important wins have put them in a position where they have a significant gap to the bottom three. They are also still competing in the UEFA Europa League and this match at Chelsea comes in-between their semi-final ties with Aston Villa.
Pre-Match Analysis: Sunderland face Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sunderland won 2-0 when the sides met back in October. (Photo: Martin Swinney- Sunderland AFC via Getty Images.) Sunderland have had a successful first season back in the Premier League and currently sit 12th in the table. They face Wolverhampton Wanderers, a side who are already relegated from the top flight and a club that has endured a difficult season. After a mini-revival of sorts, Wolves have now lost their last three games and are bottom of the table on 17 points.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 1-0 win over Aston Villa
Chris Wood scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the second half. (Photo: Michael Regan via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest have given themselves a chance of reaching the UEFA Europa League final. In the first leg of their semi-final tie with Aston Villa, there was not much between the two sides. Both goalkeepers made good saves in the first half, and the scores were level at the break.
Pre-Match Analysis: Man United host Liverpool
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring United's second goal, with Bruno Fernandes providing the assist. (Photo: Naomi Baker via Getty Images.) Michael Carrick's side won 2-1 on Monday against Brentford and it was a result that puts them in a great spot to secure qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Once again they have won back-to-back games and sit third on 61 points.
Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur travel to Aston Villa
The Tottenham players celebrate the winning goal at Molineux last week. (Photo: Michael Steele via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur remain in the bottom three of the Premier League and are still two points from safety. After a difficult period stretching back to December without a win, Spurs secured their first win of 2026 at Molineux last weekend, against the league's bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nottingham Forest take on Aston Villa in Europa League semi-final
Morgan Gibbs-White scored the crucial goal in their quarter-final win over Porto. (Photo: Molly Darlington UEFA via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest have made it to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League and will face Premier League opposition in Aston Villa. A place in the final and a ticket to Istanbul awaits the winner. It will not be an easy match but both teams will likely be feeling confident that they can go all the way.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's emphatic 5-0 win at Sunderland
The Forest players celebrate scoring at the Stadium of Light. (Photo: Stu Forster via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest recorded a 5-0 win against Sunderland to give them an eight point gap to the drop zone, ahead of the other Premier League fixtures this weekend. They took an early lead after an own goal from Trai Hume, before strikes from Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus gave them a 4-0 lead at half time.
Nottingham Forest travel to Sunderland looking to extend gap
Elliot Anderson and Granit Xhaka battle for the ball when the sides met earlier in the season. (Photo: Cameron Smith via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest remain in a relegation battle and are fighting to retain their Premier League status. However, recent results have improved their chances of avoiding the drop. At half time last Sunday, April 20, when they were losing 1-0 to Burnley worries would likely have been creeping in once again. Then, they turned the game on its head and won 4-1.
Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur head to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Spurs' Xavi Simons on the ball when the sides met earlier in the season. (Photo: Shaun Brooks-CameraSport via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur have now spent two weeks in the bottom three of the Premier League. Time is running out to save their season and the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers represents an opportunity. Rob Edwards' Wolves side are already relegated and, despite an upturn in form recently, have now once again suffered back to back defeats.
Four things we learnt from Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City
Martin Odegaard cannot hide his disappointment at the result. (Photo: Carl Recine via Getty Images.) It was built up to be a potential title decider in the Premier League and, whilst there are still games to play, the consequences of the defeat for Mikel Arteta's side could be significant. Manchester City took an early lead after Rayan Cherki scored. Arsenal then had to respond and, to their credit, the Gunners hit back less than two minutes later.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 4-1 win over Burnley
The Forest captain celebrates scoring the equaliser, before netting a further two goals. (Photo: Ryan Pierse via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest were in danger of losing to strugglers Burnley, until their captain scored a fifteen minute hat-trick and turned the game on its head. Zian Flemming gave Scott Parker'sside a lead at half time after he scored in first half stoppage time. Forest continued to struggle in the second half until around the hour mark.
Pre-Match Analysis: Chelsea prepare to host Manchester United
Trevor Chalobah scores for Chelsea when the sides met at Old Trafford back in September. (Photo: Chelsea Football Club via Getty Images.) Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League. After a promising start to Liam Rosenior's time as Blues boss, they have now lost four of their last five league games and have lost their last three. Michael Carrick's United side are in third and are seven points ahead of the Londoners.
Manchester City face Arsenal in potential title decider
The two sides recently met in the EFL Cup Final, with Manchester City coming out on top. (Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Offside via Getty Images.) In one of the standout games of the Premier League season, Manchester City host Arsenal. It is widely being suggested that the winner of this game will go on to lift the trophy next month. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal currently have a six point lead over Pep Guardiola's men but that could be cut to just three points with a win this Sunday.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest prepare for the visit of Burnley
Neco Williams scores in the 1-1 draw between the two sides earlier in the season. (Photo: Nigel Roddis via Getty Images.) It will be Nottingham Forest's third game at their City Ground home this week, and the meeting with Burnley is significant. Vitor Pereira's side are currently three points above the relegation zone, and a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in their last Premier League game was widely received as a positive point. Forest are also unbeaten in their last four league games.
Four things we learnt as Nottingham Forest reach Europa League semi-final
Morgan Gibbs-White's strike in the twelfth minute was the difference between the two sides. (Photo: Molly Darlington UEFA via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest progress to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after a 1-0 win against FC Porto on the night and a 2-1 win over the two legs. Porto played over 83 minutes with ten men, after Jan Bednarek was shown a red card after a VAR review.
Pre-match analysis: Can De Zerbi avoid the drop?
Spurs Xavi Simons battles for the ball in the game between the two sides back in September. (Photo: Alex Pantling via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur will have spent a week inside the bottom three of the Premier League before they kick off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion. Roberto De Zerbi is Spurs' third manager of the season.
Nottingham Forest face FC Porto in Europa League quarter-final
The Forest players celebrate the own goal that levelled the game in Portugal last week. (Photo: Miguel Riopa via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest are on the brink of a UEFA Europa League semi-final. After a 1-1 draw in Portugal last week, Vitor Pereira's side return to the City Ground knowing that everything is still to play for. FC Porto will be tough opposition, as they proved last week.
Four things we learnt from Forest's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa
Neco Williams celebrates scoring the equaliser in the first half. (Photo: Carl Recine via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest are now three points above the relegation zone and, whilst they had chances to win this game, they will likely feel satisfied that they left the City Ground with a point. Forest and Aston Villa both played in the UEFA Europa League in midweek and they could meet in the next round of that competition if both progress from their quarter final ties.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest head to FC Porto
Morgan Gibbs-White scored when the sides met back in October in the League Phase of the competition. (Photo: Jack Thomas- UEFA via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest will likely come into this game with a sense of belief and confidence. They have had nearly three weeks' rest since they last played, when they won 3-0 away at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Four things we learnt from Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 draw at Liverpool
Richarlison wheels away after scoring the equaliser. (Photo: Carl Recine via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur ended a run of six defeats in all competitions with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Dominik Szoboszlai put the home side ahead inside the opening twenty minutes after scoring another free kick from distance. Guglielmo Vicario could possibly have done better to keep it out.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 0-0 draw with Fulham
Taiwo Awoniyi reacts to missing a chance in the second half. (Photo: Nathan Stirk via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest moved out of the Premier League relegation zone after they secured a point against Fulham. There was not too much between the sides. Calvin Bassey had the best chance of the first half when his header from five yards out nearly gave the Cottagers the lead but it hit the legs of Matz Sels in the Forest goal. Vitor Pereira's side had chances to win the game in the second half.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest prepare for the visit of Fulham
Callum Hudson-Odoi in action when the sides met back in December at Craven Cottage. (Photo: Rob Newell- CameraSport via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest secured a 2-2 draw last time out in the Premier League, away at Manchester City. It was a point that kept them out of the bottom three on goal difference. West Ham recorded a win last time out against Forest's opponents for this weekend Fulham. That result means that Forest and the Hammers go into this round of games sitting level on points.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 1-0 defeat to FC Midtjylland
Elliot Anderson during the defeat at the City Ground on a wet and windy evening. (Photo: Andrew Kearns- CameraSport via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest suffered a defeat to Danish side FC Midtjylland at the City Ground for the second time this season in the UEFA Europa League. One goal was again the difference between the two sides as Cho Gue-sung scored a late header in the 80th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 win.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest prepare to host FC Midtylland
Neco Williams in action when the sides met at the City Ground earlier in the season in the League Phase. (Photo: SOPA Images via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest play FC Midtjylland for the second time this season as they meet in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, with a place in the quarter finals up for grabs. Forest find themselves in this round, after beating Fenerbahce over two legs in the playoff round. That result was largely thanks to a 3-0 away win in Istanbul in the first leg.
Pre-Match Analysis: Manchester City prepare for Real Madrid
Ruben Dias battles with Kylian Mbappe in the game between the two sides last season. (Photo: Carl Recine via Getty Images.) Manchester City finished inside the top eight of the UEFA Champions Leagueand their reward is a two-legged Round of 16 tie against Spanish giants Real Madrid. City avoided the Playoff Round, where Real Madrid edged past Benfica over two legs.
Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur head to Atletico Madrid
Former Spurs' player Son-Heung-min in action against Atletico Madrid in a pre-season game in 2016. (Photo: Scott Barbour via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur are in poor form in the Premier League, suffering yet another defeat to Crystal Palace last week, and face a real battle to avoid the drop. They have lost their last five league games and are currently 16th in the table, with some important games on the horizon.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's shock 2-2 draw with Manchester City
Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring the goal to make the game 1-1, early in the second half. (Photo: Gareth Copley via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest left the north-west with a point and it could be a significant result. For Manchester City, in a game that many would have expected them to win, it hands the advantage once again to Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title. Meanwhile for Forest, it prevented them dropping into the bottom three following West Ham's win at Fulham.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest head to Manchester City
Jeremy Doku scores as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at the Etihad last season. (Photo: James Gill-Danehouse via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest are in need of a positive result this week to avoid potentially dropping into the bottom three of the Premier League. It will not be easy as they face a challenging trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Since promotion to the top flight, Forest do not have a good record away to the team from the north-west.
Four things we learnt from Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 defeat to Fulham
Some of the Tottenham players as the full time whistle went at Craven Cottage. (Photo: Eddie Keogh via Getty Images.) Tottenham Hotspur missed the chance to get some points on the board and move away from the Premier League relegation zone. First half strikes from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi gave the home side a 2-0 lead. Richarlison pulled one back for Spurs late on but it was not enough to spark a comeback as it finished 2-1.
Four things we learnt from Manchester City's 1-0 win against Leeds United
Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the game just before half time. (Photo: Justin Setterfield via Getty Images.) Manchester City did not have it all their own way but came out on top at Elland Road, against Leeds United. Pep Guardiola's side made a slow start to the game and it was the home side who nearly went in front after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was in on goal but his effort went wide. City had to see out the storm and grow into the game.
Four things we learnt from Arsenal's 2-1 win against Chelsea
Jurrien Timber scores the winning goal for Arsenal. (Photo: Justin Setterfield via Getty Images.) Arsenal came out on top against Chelsea and survived a scare after the visitors levelled the score just before half time. William Saliba put the Gunners ahead, before Piero Hincapie scored an own goal from a corner right on half time. Jurrien Timber then scored another from a corner to put the home side back in front in the 66th minute.
Four things we learnt from Man United's 2-1 win against Crystal Palace
Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring the winner. (Photo: Molly Darlington/Copa via Getty Images.) Manchester United are third in the Premier League table and made it back to back victories again, after a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace. Maxence Lacroix gave the visitors the lead with a header from a corner after just four minutes. It was not the best performance by Michael Carrick's side and they did not level the score until close to the hour mark when Matheus Cunha was fouled in the box.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 2-1 defeat at Brighton
Danny Welbeck turns and gets his shot away in the box, putting the ball past Murillo and Matz Sels in the Forest goal. (Photo: Steve Bardens via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest suffer another Premier League defeat, and the result leaves them still just two points above the relegation zone. It was a frantic start to the match with Diego Gomez putting Brighton ahead inside the first six minutes. His volley from a wide position went past Matz Sels.
Pre-Match Analysis: Nottingham Forest prepare to face Brighton
Morgan Gibbs-White in action at Brighton in an FA Cup game last season. (Photo: Glyn Kirk via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend in Vitor Pereira's first game in charge. There were positives to take from the performance, but following the late goal and the manner in which it came about, it was an afternoon that ended in disappointment. Unlike their opponents, Forest have played in the week and suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Fenerbahce.
Four things we learnt from Nottingham Forest's 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce
Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates scoring the Forest goal in the second half. (Photo: Gareth Copley via Getty Images.) Nottingham Forest will be relieved that they avoided any kind of scare against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League and have progressed to the Last 16. They kicked off at the City Ground with a 3-0 lead and faced a Fenerbahce side who were missing several of their first team regulars. However, it was not a night of comfort for Forest.
Chris Wilder on Sheffield United's trip to face QPR
Wilder looks on during Sheffield United's 2-1 defeat to Coventry City in midweek. (Photo: George Wood via Getty Images.) Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers are separated by just two points and two places in the Championship table. It is QPR who are the higher of the two teams in the table. Both sides suffered defeats in midweek, with the Londoners losing to Southampton and the Blades suffering a defeat to league leaders Coventry City.
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