Citizens edge past Forest at the City Ground

Manchester City weren't at their best but they were still too good for Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Pep Guardiola was without Phil Foden due to illness and perhaps missed some of his magic going forward.

Indeed, Forest started well but were pegged back with just over a half hour gone with Kevin De Bruyne's corner was met by the head of Joško Gvardiol at the near post. 

Nuno Espírito Santo's side had chances to level, in particular a golden one from Chris Wood. Gonzalo Montiel, an early substitute for the injured Neco Williams, fizzed in a low ball that if Wood had contacted properly with would have resulted in a goal.

As well as Williams' injury for Forest, City had to deal with an injury of their own as goalkeeper Ederson had to be replaced by Stefan Ortega at half-time.

One of the first things Ortega should have been doing is picking the ball out of his own net had Forest not spurned another golden opportunity.

This one came from good work by Anthony Elanga down the left to get to the byline and put in a low ball. Once again Wood was there and he made contact but it wasn't enough with his effort blocked when it should have been in the net.

As time went on City were able to get more control of the game with Kevin De Bruyne becoming increasingly influential. The Belgian also forced a fine save from Matz Sels with his drive from distance.

Pep Guardiola has the luxury of a substitute bench full of talent; it was Erling Haaland, on in the 62nd minute, who sealed the win for his side.

It's the kind of goal we've seen so often since the Norwegian's arrival to the Premier League last season, De Bruyne with a pass into the channel and Haaland having the physicality to beat his defender and the finishing prowess to score.

Haaland's goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Forest who had been resilient until then with City able to see out the game and earn all three points.

That result means that the Citizens are now just one point behind Arsenal, who won the North London derby earlier today, while still having a game in hand.

Forest meanwhile still need to look over their shoulder with Luton Town and Burnley scraping for survival.

xG: Nottingham Forest (2.07) 0-2 (0.89) Manchester City

FULL-TIME | Three more points! ➕3️⃣

🌳 0-2 🩵 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/bcp2onKxZx

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 28, 2024