Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table in dramatic and controversial fashion, securing a 2-1 victory over a battling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. A late goal from Rayan Cherki proved decisive, but its validity left the home side incensed and piled the pressure back onto title rivals Arsenal.
A Hard-Fought Battle at the City Ground
Pep Guardiola's side were made to work intensely for a sixth consecutive league win, facing a disciplined and frustrated Forest who successfully limited their attacking threats in a goalless first half. Key players Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were kept unusually quiet throughout the encounter, forcing City to find inspiration from elsewhere.
The deadlock was broken early in the second period. Tijjani Reijnders gave Manchester City the lead in the 47th minute, finishing first-time after being played through by an incisive pass from the influential Rayan Cherki. The lead was short-lived, however, as Forest hit back. Omari Hutchinson levelled the scores with a controlled finish from Igor Jesus's cross, and goalkeeper John Victor later made a crucial save to deny Foden.
Late Drama and Controversy
The match was decided in the 83rd minute, sparking immediate controversy. Josko Gvardiol headed a corner back across goal, where Rayan Cherki smashed the ball home to send the away fans into raptures. Forest players instantly swarmed referee Rob Jones to protest, claiming a foul in the buildup.
The home side argued that Morgan Gibbs-White had been fouled by Nico O'Reilly, while defender Murillo was left with a ripped shirt following a tussle with Erling Haaland inside the six-yard box. Despite the vehement protests, the goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR, leaving Forest's pleas unheard and sealing a priceless three points for City.
Title Pressure Relentlessly Applied
The full-time joy on Pep Guardiola's face told its own story, with the result shifting the focus squarely onto Arsenal's subsequent fixture against Brighton. The Gunners, who had briefly led the table after a 1-0 win over Everton, once again found themselves needing a victory to reclaim top spot under City's relentless pressure.
Match-winner Rayan Cherki, a £30 million summer signing from Lyon, highlighted the importance of the gritty victory. "When the games come we need just one thing: to win," he told TNT Sports. "We take the points because the championship is so long and so hard, so today is a big win." The Frenchman also revealed he borrowed Haaland's celebration after a midweek conversation with the striker.
Pundit Alan Shearer summarised the significance of the result for the BBC, stating: "That is such a big win under pressure by Manchester City. They weren’t at their best so it really is a huge three points... All the pressure goes back on Arsenal now." The victory ensures the Premier League title race remains fiercely poised as the season approaches the halfway mark.
