Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest Review
Kevin De Bruyne’s return was crucial for Manchester City, leading them to a much-needed 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, which ended their streak of seven winless games. Despite the pre-match concerns about their poor form, City started strong, with Bernardo Silva scoring in the eighth minute by redirecting De Bruyne’s header into the goal. The duo connected again shortly after, with Silva delivering a lovely cross, but Joško Gvardiol missed the header. Gvardiol then lost possession to Jota Silva, who set up Morgan Gibbs-White for a powerful shot that required a solid save from Stefan Ortega, demonstrating that Forest could pose a threat.
Gvardiol made a quick run and connected with Erling Haaland’s through ball, but once again missed the target, followed by De Bruyne also shooting wide. Forest still had their chances, with Chris Wood missing the best one after a poor pass from De Bruyne, as he uncharacteristically shot wide. Shortly after, De Bruyne showed no mercy and skillfully increased the hosts’ lead with a fantastic strike on his first Premier League start since mid-September.
Forest continued to fight, with Anthony Elanga and Nikola Milenković both sending shots off target before halftime, while Wood had an attempt blocked after the break. Murillo then took a bold shot that went off target, but they were caught out again just before the hour mark when Jérémy Doku received Haaland’s pass, advanced forward, created space from Nikola Milenković, and finished brilliantly. With confidence clearly restored at the Etihad, De Bruyne took a free-kick that grazed the side netting and had another shot saved by Matz Sels.
Despite the visitors’ determination, they failed to create any late tension, with Elanga’s shot only hitting the top of the net. Man City secured a win that ended their streak of four straight Premier League losses, a victory that could be even more important since league leaders Liverpool dropped points against Newcastle United. Additionally, the Citizens handed Forest their third defeat in the last four matches.
