Espirito Santo says Forest relishing unexpected Champions League chase

LONDON – Nuno Espirito Santo said his Nottingham Forest side are embracing being in the race for Champions League football and a FA Cup title challenge, after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 away on April 21.

Forest jumped to third in the English Premier League – before Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa on April 22 that took place after press time – and were in pole position out of the five clubs battling for the Champions League spots behind Liverpool and Arsenal.

“We are in a fight that nobody expected, us included,” Nuno said.

“We are in the mix against big teams and that only can make us proud. We embrace the challenge.”

Forest took a two-goal lead within the first 16 minutes with goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood, and then soaked up Tottenham’s pressure. They cracked in the 87th minute when Richarlison headed home, but held on to emerge victorious.

Their fine season could become even better at the weekend when they face City in an FA Cup semi-final.

“We are ahead of a big week for us. We’re going to Wembley to compete against a big team and there are a lot of games ahead of us. As long as we keep this approach, competing well, you never know,” Nuno added.

Tottenham had the bulk of possession and 22 shots to Forest’s four, but Nuno has built his team on counter-attacking and intensity.

He praised defender Harry Toffolo, who enjoyed a rare appearance in the side and made a spectacular clearance off the line, and Wood, who bagged his 19th league goal of the season.

“Even though a player doesn’t start (regularly),I still believe that he’s going to play a part,” he said. “And Harry did it.”

Meanwhile, the rare smile Tottenham manager Ange