Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou accused of 'not preparing' for Nottingham Forest surprise

head coach has been accused of not preparing for surprise team selection in Monday's 2-1 defeat. Spurs lost an 18th game this season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to remain in 16th, despite Espirito Santo taking a risk with his -chasing visitors.

The former Spurs boss raised eyebrows by handing left-back Harry Toffolo his first Premier League start of the season in north London. His faith was repaid in the second half when Toffolo produced an incredible goal-line clearance to deny Dejan Kulusevski a certain goal. And the 29-year-old contributed to a resolute defensive performance as Forest held onto three valuable points with just 30 per cent possession and four shots to the hosts' 22.

Forest have often used a three-at-the-back formation in matches where they've expected to surrender much of the possession this season.

However, Espirito Santo set his side up with a back four on Monday, using Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood as a strike partnership.

Alan Smith, working on co-commentary for the clash, suggested that Forest's set-up caught Postecoglou by surprise.

"I just wonder if this formation for Forest has just caught Ange Postecoglou cold," Smith explained on Sky Sports.

"I'm really not sure they'd have prepared for it. It's surprised us a bit. It's certainly not how we've been used to them setting up, but it's worked for them."

After full-time Espirito Santo hailed Toffolo and insisted that Forest needed the full capacity of their squad as they hunt Champions League football and FA Cup glory.

The City Ground club meet Manchester City at Wembley this weekend in the semi-finals before their final five Premier League games of the campaign.

Espirito Santo said: "Not only that [Toffolo symbolising Forest's spirit]. We have been talking a lot since the beginning of the season about the importance of the squad.

"Even though a player doesn't start, I still believe he is going to play a part. And Harry did it. We are going to need them all.

"We are going to go to Wembley with players out and we have to find solutions, so every player in the squad has to commit himself to give a hand. Harry did it and did fantastic."

The feeling couldn't be more of a contrast at Tottenham, for whom it is Europa League or bust ahead of a semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt.

Loud boos at full-time against Forest emphasised that near the end of a disastrous second season.