Nottingham Forest produced an impressive performance to defeat Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground on Saturday, handing the visitors their third consecutive Premier League defeat….
Nottingham Forest produced an impressive performance to defeat Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground on Saturday, handing the visitors their third consecutive Premier League defeat.
Liam Delap scored twice, while Jair Cunha also found the net as Oliver Glasner’s side claimed their first home victory of the season and moved out of the relegation zone.
Manchester City, managed by Enzo Maresca, struggled defensively and paid dearly for their mistakes, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.
Forest made a blistering start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Brazilian defender Jair Cunha.
Cunha capitalised on a defensive error by Josko Gvardiol, dispossessing the Manchester City defender before driving forward and firing past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City appealed for a foul in the build-up, but referee Samuel Barrott allowed the goal to stand.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 18th minute through Delap, who punished another Manchester City mistake.
Xaver Schlager won possession following a mix-up involving Iliman Ndiaye and Elliot Anderson before the ball fell to Delap.
The former Chelsea forward raced towards goal and calmly fired past Donnarumma to give Forest a commanding 2-0 lead.
Manchester City struggled to recover from the early setbacks, with Forest defending compactly and looking dangerous whenever they launched counter-attacks.
City’s manager made two changes at half-time, introducing Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly in place of Marc Guéhi and Gvardiol in an attempt to strengthen the defence and improve the team’s attacking transitions.
The changes helped City gain greater control after the interval, and they reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute through Rayan Cherki.
The French midfielder produced an excellent finish, meeting a delivery following Jérémy Doku’s attacking move with a powerful half-volley that beat Matz Sels.
The goal gave City renewed belief as they pushed for an equaliser.
Erling Haaland came close to making it 2-2 in the 57th minute after a cross from Nunes found him in a promising position, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Forest were increasingly forced onto the defensive as City intensified their pressure.
However, the hosts remained dangerous on the counter-attack and nearly restored their two-goal advantage when Ryan Yates saw his deflected effort strike the crossbar in the 67th minute.
City continued searching for an equaliser, but Forest eventually delivered the decisive blow in the 74th minute.
Morgan Gibbs-White initiated a quick counter-attack before finding Delap, who advanced towards goal and unleashed a powerful finish into the top-right corner, with the ball going in off the post.
The goal completed Delap’s brace and restored Forest’s two-goal cushion, leaving Manchester City with a difficult task in the closing stages.
City struggled to mount another meaningful comeback as Forest defended their advantage and threatened on the break.
Delap received a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the match, while the home supporters celebrated a memorable victory.
The result represents a significant boost for Forest, who had endured a difficult start to their campaign and were desperate for their first home league victory.
For Manchester City, the defeat raises further questions about their defensive organisation and title ambitions, having now lost three consecutive Premier League matches.
