Super Eagles star Dennis denied as Ayew misses penalty in Forest’s loss to Tottenham

Super Eagles star Emmanuel Dennis made a rare 45-minute appearance but he could not help Nottingham Forest avoid defeat in their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. 

Before today, Dennis last played at least 45 minutes of league football in November last year. However, he was handed the opportunity on Saturday after coming on at half-time for Jesse Lingard. 

Dennis took advantage of his opportunity even though he did not score his second league goal of the season. 

The former Club Brugge man almost pulled one back for Forest but was denied by Fraser Forster in Spurs' goal. 

Dennis also won a late penalty for his side, but Ghana’s captain Andre Ayew fluffed his lines from the spot. 

Spurs were looking for a reaction after they suffered a disappointing Champions League round of 16 exit on Wednesday. 

The Lilywhites started like a team on a mission, with Richarlison going close first. The Brazil international, who spoke out against his lack of game time, thought he had put Spurs ahead inside the opening four minutes after firing the ball into the roof of the net. 

However, his goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review. Nonetheless, Tottenham continued to press and they got their reward moments later through Harry Kane. 

The English man headed in superbly past Keylor Navas following a cross from Pedro Porro. Spurs went in search of a second goal and they got it through Kane again, who converted from the spot for his 20th league goal of the season. 

Antonio Conte’s men went into the break with a two-goal lead but they resumed the second half with more intent. 

The Lilywhites continued to dominate the game, with Forest having no answers to their pressing. 

It was only a matter of time before Spurs made it three, and they did so in the 62nd minute through Heung-min Son, who finished from inside the box for his 99th goal in the Premier League.

Spurs took their foot off the gas following Son’s goal, allowing Forest to pull one back. Steve Cooper’s men reduced the deficit to two goals after Joe Worrall headed in from a Felipe corner. 

The goal made things tricky for Spurs in the last ten minutes as they conceded a penalty in added time. 

However, luckily for them, Ayew missed the resulting spot-kick, ensuring Spurs ran out 3-1 winners. 

The result takes Spurs  six points clear of Liverpool and seven ahead of Newcastle, although they have played a game more than Jurgen Klopp’s men and two more than the Magpies.