Nottingham Forest put up a valiant effort against Premier League and European champions Manchester City but ultimately fell short as it was City who came away with a 2-0 win at the City Ground. A goal in each half by Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland puts City in closer reach of the Premier League top spot as Forest are still in a fight for survival.
Nuno Espírito Santo made two changes from the defeat at Everton. Nicolas Dominguez wasn’t involved at all with Giovani Reyna dropped to the bench as Willy Boly and Anthony Elanga replaced them. Nuno with a switch of formation with Boly making his second appearance since December. Pep Guardiola made two changes from his side that thumped Brighton & Hove Albion. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden were replaced by Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku. Grealish making a return to Nottingham having spent time on loan at Notts County over the river in 2014.
It was Manchester City with the first effort of the game. Kevin De Bruyne on the left side of the box had a low shot saved by Belgian teammate Matz Sells as the shot went towards the bottom corner. De Bruyne looking for a better game at the City Ground after last seasons frustrating display.
The league champions did take the lead just after the half an hour mark. De Bruyne’s corner was met at the front post by a rising Gvardiol who’s header found the back of the net. A second league goal of the season in the league for the Croatian defender who joined from German side RB Leipzig in the summer as he put City ahead. Forest were temporarily down to ten men at this stage with Neco Williams off the pitch injured, and he would eventually be replaced by Gonzalo Montiel.
Forest came close to an equaliser when Ola Aina powered a cross from the left with Montiel getting it to Chris Wood who couldn’t convert from close range. Another game where Wood could have added to his goal scoring record.
Forest had another big chance go begging. A Callum Hudson-Odoi corner eventually bounced to Murillo who tried to flick it home from close range with it just going over. Another chance Forest would be disappointed not to score from as they looked to defy the odds against City again.
That was it for the first half and a half Forest would be content with. They were not letting City create chances and were certainly trying to get at them in such an important game. City clinical from a set piece and saw a large percentage of the ball which was always going to happen. The Blues did make a half time substitute with goalkeeper Ederson coming off with an injury and being replaced by Stefan Ortega. Kovacic came also came on for Doku.
Forest came close early in the second half. Anthony Elanga skipping past Kyle Walker before pulling the ball back for Wood and his shot was brilliantly blocked by Gvardiol to keep the score at 1-1. Wood struggling to find the net again which came as a suprise considering the season he has had.
City came close with De Bruyne involved again as he put the ball in behind for Julian Alvarez but he couldn’t keep his shot down as it sailed over the bar.
Forest had a another chance to equalise. Elanga flashing the ball across the six yard box but Wood couldn’t quite get a foot onto it. Forest were putting up a fight but couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Selz had to produce again for Forest with De Bruyne taking range from outside the box but the keeper made an acrobatic save for the Reds. De Bruyne pulling the strings for City and causing a lot of issues for Forest.
City did then get their second. De Bruyne yet again playing a ball in behind and substitute Haaland rolled the ball home. A 32nd goal of the season for the striker that sealed the game for the champions with twenty minutes to go.
Forest came close to pulling one back when Callum Hudson-Odoi had a dipping shot well saved by Ortega. Hudson-Odoi with his trademark cutting in on his right foot which has been a dangerous weapon for Forest this season.
But that was it for the game with Manchester City claiming a 2-0 win. A big result in the title race as they go one point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. They’re next fixture is a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest defeated but a performance to be proud of as they gave the European Champions a good game. The Reds sit 17th one point clear of Luton Town and two points clear of Burnley. They next travel to Bramall Lane to face already relegated Sheffield United in a massive game in Yorkshire.
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