Cherki late strike secures Man City win against Nottingham Forest

Manchester City won a hard 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, thanks to a late strike from Rayan Cherki, extending their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions.

Forest had caused City problems throughout, with centre-backs Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo dominating at the back and limiting Erling Haaland’s opportunities. Gianluigi Donnarumma was frustrated by Milenkovic’s commanding presence, while Josko Gvardiol avoided a yellow card after deliberately kicking the ball away.

Despite the challenge, City showed resilience. Cherki’s decisive goal capped off a tense afternoon, earning three vital points and keeping Pep Guardiola’s side just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who also won on Saturday.

“It’s more important how you suffer, how you defend, accept you’re not playing good and can be better and be in the game, otherwise there is no chance,” Guardiola said after the match. “That game last season was lost 10 for 10. Today we finished with an important three points.”

City have now won 24 of the last 27 points available in the league, signalling their intent to compete for the title after a slow start to the season. Rodri’s return from injury bolstered the squad, while Tijjani Reijnders continued his impressive debut season, scoring in consecutive matches.

Former City goalkeeper Joe Hart praised the team’s character, saying, “It was an absolute battle but a championship-winning performance. When your back’s against the wall you find a way.”

With nine challenging fixtures looming in January, including a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle and the Champions League group-stage conclusion, City’s momentum and squad depth could prove decisive as they hunt for a fifth Premier League title in six seasons.