Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has heaped praise on Harry Toffolo for his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, stepping in seamlessly for injured fullback Ola Aina. Aina, who has been a consistent figure for Forest this season, suffered a calf injury during their recent win over Manchester United. In his absence, Toffolo was handed his first start of the campaign, playing at left-back while Neco Williams shifted to right-back. Toffolo made a huge impact, notably producing a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying moments of the match—an effort reminiscent of Aina’s own defensive heroics throughout the season. Speaking after the game, Nuno lauded the English defender’s contribution and highlighted the depth and commitment within his squad. “We are very proud of the way we competed,” said Nuno. “We reacted really well to recent performances. We started strong, scored two goals early, and showed determination even without the ball. Tottenham had their chances, but our goalkeeper Matz Sels was exceptional once again, and Harry Toffolo made a clearance that symbolizes the Forest spirit. “We’ve spoken since the beginning of the season about the importance of the whole squad. Even players who haven’t been starting must stay ready—and Harry did just that. We’ll need everyone as we head into a crucial part of the season. With Aina and Eric Moreira both unavailable, we even had young Zach Abbott on the bench. This shows how committed and united the group is.” Forest’s triumph over Spurs was especially significant for Nuno, who previously managed the North London club. The win strengthens Forest’s position in the league, where they now sit third, one point ahead of Newcastle United and two clear of Manchester City. When asked about Forest’s surprising push for a UEFA Champions League spot, Nuno downplayed the idea of proving critics wrong. “We never expected to be in this position, and neither did many others—but we’re not out to prove anyone wrong,” he added. “This is about us. We love to compete, and the players are thriving in that environment. We embrace every challenge, and as we head into a big week, including a trip to Wembley, we’ll need to keep this spirit alive.” With the season entering its decisive phase, Forest fans will be encouraged by the manager’s belief in the depth and character of his squad—especially as they prepare for a crunch clash in the upcoming cup tie and the continuation of their top-four push.