Richarlison stars as Tottenham ease past Nottingham Forest

Brazilian responds to criticism from Antonio Conte by playing key role in 3-1 victory

Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian striker Richarlison applauds the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on March 11, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Show less

Richarlison responded to some pre-match criticism from his own manager by helping Tottenham secure a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Brazil striker played a key role in the second of Harry Kane's two first-half goals and Tottenham's third by Son Heung-min after the break.

In his news conference on Friday, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte described Richarlison as “selfish” for complaining about his lack of playing time and said the striker was correct to assess his season so far as “not good”.

But Conte handed Richarlison a start against Forest and was repaid with an all-action display that nearly included an early goal, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.

Spurs 3-1 Forest - in pictures

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  Harry Kane celebrates scoring Tottenham's first goal with Son Heung-min in the 3-1 Premier League win against Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 11, 2023. PA

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  Tottenham striker Richarlison applauds the fans as he leaves the pitch after being substituted. AFP

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  Son Heung-min celebrates scoring Tottenham's third goal with Harry Kane and Richarlison. Action Images

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  Harry Kane speaks to referee Craig Pawson. Getty

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  Harry Kane celebrates scoring the first goal of the game. PA

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  Harry Kane after scoring the first goal. Getty

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  Tottenham manager Antonio Conte greets Richarlison as he is substituted. PA

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  Harry Kane celebrates. AFP

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  Harry Kane celebrates scoring the second. EPA

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  Tottenham's Son Heung-Min celebrates scoring the third goal. AFP

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  Son Heung-Min (R) celebrates scoring the team's third goal with Spanish defender Pedro Porro. AFP

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  Son Heung-min has a shot on goal. PA

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  Joe Worrall scores for Nottingham Forest. Getty

The win consolidated fourth place for Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification and came a few hours after Liverpool — their big rival for the top four — lost surprisingly at Bournemouth.

Kane headed home the opener in the 19th minute and converted a 35th-minute penalty after Richarlison was fouled.

Richarlison crossed for Son to control and finish sweetly in the 62nd before Joe Worrall scored a consolation in the 81st for Forest, whose substitute Andre Ayew had a penalty saved by Fraser Forster in stoppage time.