Manchester City’s title charge gathered fresh momentum on Saturday night as a late strike from Rayan Cherki sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest, sending the reigning champions back to the top of the Premier League table.
In a contest that swung sharply in the second half, City once again showed why they remain the most ruthless side in English football. Forest threatened to derail the champions’ momentum after cancelling out City’s lead, but Cherki’s composure under pressure ensured Manchester City extended their ominous winning run to eight games in all competitions.
For Forest, the night ended in disappointment despite a spirited performance that had moments of genuine belief. Playing under the emotional weight of a tribute to club legend John Robertson, the hosts were left to reflect on fine margins and another narrow defeat under Sean Dyche.
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Rayan Cherki delivers again as Manchester City stay ruthless
The first half unfolded largely on Forest’s terms. City dominated possession as expected, but clear chances were hard to come by. Forest’s defensive pairing of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic were outstanding, repeatedly stepping out to intercept passes and frustrate City’s fluid attacking movement.
Forest sat deep, absorbed pressure, and looked to spring forward on the counter through Morgan Gibbs-White, whose energy and ball-carrying kept City’s back line alert. Despite their territorial dominance, City went into the break level, with Forest’s discipline forcing them into speculative efforts from range.
That resistance, however, lasted only three minutes after the restart.
City finally broke through in the 48th minute when Tijjani Reijnders timed his run perfectly and guided a composed finish past John Victor. The goal looked like the moment City would assert full control, but Forest responded with unexpected speed and belief.
Just six minutes later, Reijnders’ evening took a dramatic turn. The midfielder lost possession on the edge of his own penalty area, allowing Gibbs-White to pounce. The Forest captain surged forward before finding Igor Jesus, who unselfishly squared the ball for Omari Hutchinson. The club’s record signing made no mistake, drilling home his first goal for Forest to ignite the City Ground.
Rayan Cherki’s late strike seals Manchester City’s eighth straight win
The equaliser rattled City briefly, but it also sharpened their focus. Pep Guardiola’s side began to increase the tempo, probing relentlessly for gaps. Cherki came agonisingly close to restoring the lead when his powerful drive beat Victor but struck the post, drawing a collective gasp from the away end.
Moments later, Victor produced an excellent stop to deny Phil Foden, as City piled on the pressure. Forest defended desperately, with bodies thrown in front of shots and tackles flying in as the clock ticked down.
But the pressure eventually told.
In the 83rd minute, Cherki picked up the ball just outside the penalty area, shifted it onto his stronger foot, and unleashed a precise, low drive that nestled into the corner. Victor, who had kept Forest in the contest for long spells, could only watch as the ball skimmed beyond his reach.
It was a goal that summed up City’s current authority: calm, clinical, and perfectly timed.
Forest pushed forward in the closing minutes, but City’s experience saw them manage the game expertly. The final whistle confirmed a result that keeps Guardiola’s side firmly in control of the title race, while Forest slipped to successive defeats for the first time under Dyche, following their narrow loss at Fulham earlier in the week.
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For City, this was another reminder of their championship mentality. Even on nights when they are frustrated, even when momentum briefly swings against them, they find a way to win. Cherki’s growing influence, Reijnders’ midfield control despite his costly error, and Foden’s constant threat underline the depth Guardiola can call upon.
For Forest, the performance offered encouragement despite the result. The defensive structure, the response after conceding, and Hutchinson’s breakthrough moment all pointed to a side capable of competing. But against City, lapses are punished—and this time, one moment of quality from Cherki proved decisive.
