Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, allowing them to reclaim a place in the top four of the Premier League for the first time since February. The match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw an own goal by Forest defender Murillo give Spurs an early lead, which was later equalized by Chris Wood before halftime. However, goals from Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro in the second half sealed the win for Ange Postecoglou's side.

With this victory, Spurs now sit in fourth place in the league table, having a game in hand and a superior goal difference. This positive weekend puts them in a favorable position, especially as their competitors Aston Villa face a tough encounter against league leaders Arsenal in their next fixture. Tottenham's aim is to finish the season strongly and secure a Champions League qualification spot, recognizing the financial benefits and increased attractiveness for potential signings that come with playing in Europe's top competition.

One notable observation from the match was Postecoglou's decision to make changes to the midfield during halftime. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur came off the bench, providing renewed energy and control in the game. It was Bentancur's clever flick from James Maddison's cross that set up Porro for Spurs' third goal, highlighting the positive impact made by the substitutes.

Another talking point is the potential permanence of striker Werner's loan. Although he may not be the most clinical finisher, Werner's threat in the attacking plays has become evident week after week. He was involved in the opening goal, forcing an own goal from Murillo with a dangerous low cross. Considering the affordable price tag of around £15 million, it appears increasingly likely that Spurs will exercise the option to make his loan move permanent, providing valuable squad depth for their European campaign next season.

Tottenham's ability to produce strong second-half performances has become a recurring trend. In fact, 14 of their last 16 goals have been scored after halftime. This resilience and ability to turn up the intensity in the latter stages of matches have contributed greatly to their recent string of victories. However, there is still room for improvement, as Spurs have yet to take a half-time lead at home in 2024, despite facing relatively modest opponents.

As Tottenham progresses under the guidance of Postecoglou, the team's plan to finish games stronger and work on their fitness to be more effective in the latter stages is starting to bear fruit. If they can improve their first-half performances, they will pose an even greater threat to their opponents. With a challenging set of fixtures ahead, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur can maintain their momentum and secure their desired top-four finish.