Glasner throws De Zerbi dig ahead of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham showdown
1 week ago
11
PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by Adpathway
Published Sep 4, 2026, 6:57 PM GMT+1
Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for several of the company's biggest football publications, including Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the wider implications of football's biggest talking points.
Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has developed an extensive understanding of North London's biggest clubs, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. He has cultivated trusted contacts within the football industry that help inform his reporting and analysis.
Emilio has a particular interest in football finance, recruitment and the business behind the modern game. In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.
Nottingham Forest return to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon knowing their meeting with Tottenham already carries importance.
Oliver Glasner’s side have taken one point from their opening two Premier League matches. A narrow defeat at Leeds was followed by an encouraging 2-2 draw at Liverpool, where Forest twice found a way back.
REUTERS/David Klein
There was enough at Anfield to suggest the new era under Glasner is beginning to take shape.
Forest looked dangerous when they attacked quickly and refused to fold after falling behind, but Glasner will want that promise turned into a first victory.
Tottenham arrive in even greater need of a result.
Nottingham Forest's last 10 meetings with Tottenham
Date
Fixture
Competition
Score
Forest result
22 March 2026
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest
Premier League
0–3
Win
14 December 2025
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
3–0
Win
21 April 2025
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest
Premier League
1–2
Win
26 December 2024
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
1–0
Win
7 April 2024
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest
Premier League
3–1
Loss
15 December 2023
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
0–2
Loss
11 March 2023
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest
Premier League
3–1
Loss
9 November 2022
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
League Cup third round
2–0
Win
28 August 2022
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
0–2
Loss
24 September 2014
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest
League Cup third round
3–1
Loss
Roberto De Zerbi has lost his first two league games in charge, with Spurs beaten 3-0 by Brentford before suffering a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle.
That leaves the north London club bottom of the table, without a goal and with five conceded. The pressure may be at an early stage, but another flat display would make their difficult start impossible to ignore.
REUTERS/Ian Walton
Forest should take belief from their recent record in this fixture.
They have won the last four Premier League meetings between the clubs, including a 3-0 success in north London in March.
Liam Delap could also be handed his first Forest start after making an impact from the bench at Liverpool. His power and direct running would give a struggling Tottenham defence a different problem to solve.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
The tactical contest promises to be important.
De Zerbi wants his teams to invite pressure, pass through it and create space further forward. When it works, Spurs can move opponents around and attack gaps quickly.
When the timing is wrong, however, they can leave themselves exposed.
Glasner throws subtle dig at 'very obvious' De Zerbi tactics
REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Glasner believes that recognisable approach has helped Forest plan for Saturday, and the Austrian also said that De Zerbi's tactics are very on the nose, which has allowed his side to better prepare.
"De Zerbi has a clear way he plays with his teams," said Glasner.
"That makes it a little bit easier to prepare. The patterns are very obvious.
“He has a certain way of playing, and I think we can see in some situations they are doing very well and in others not everything is settled.
“They have certain ways we expect them to press us and that is how we prepare the team.”
The “very obvious” line will attract attention, but Glasner was not simply dismissing Tottenham.
Even so, his comments reveal genuine confidence in the Forest camp. Glasner expects certain movements, knows how Spurs are likely to chase the ball and has been drilling his players accordingly.
The challenge is now to turn that preparation into points.
If Forest can stay composed under pressure and release their forwards into the space beyond Tottenham’s press, they will have a major chance to extend their winning run in this fixture.