Manchester City claimed another important three points against Nottingham Forest but Pep Guardiola admitted that they played one of the most difficult matches of the season, claiming that his players suffered to secure the victory.
Nottingham Forest had an incredible performance and would have earned at least a point from the match if they were clinical enough in front of goal. The host missed many clear chances that could have put a dent on Manchester City’s hope of winning another league title.
The Cityzens punished their host’s inability to convert their chances as Josko Gvardiol scored a beautiful header. The defender beat Nottingham Forest players in a contest for Kevin De Bruyne’s corner-kick. He headed the ball home at a close range to increase his goals to three in five appearances.
After the goal, Nottingham Forest brilliantly controlled the game and unsettled Pep Guardiola’s boys despite the introduction of Mateo Kovacic by the City boss at half-time to have more control of the game.
It appeared that the host will eventually find the back of the net as they put pressure on the Premier League champions but they were unable to score a goal; instead, Manchester City added the second goal to make it 2-0.
At the 62 minutes, Pep Guardiola decided to introduce Erling Haaland who missed two previous matches due to injury. The Norwegian came in for Jack Grealish and within 10 minutes of his introduction to the match, he registered his name on the scoresheet as he scored his side’s second goal.
Again, Kevin De Bruyne was the provider, the Belgian played the ball into the path of Haaland and the striker brilliantly controlled the ball to beat a defender and scored with his right foot.
The victory game the Cityzens a four-points advantage over Liverpool in third place and a point behind Arsenal at the top of the league table.
What Next For Manchester City Amid The Title Race
Manchester City are a step closer to the League title four the fourth consecutive time. They have four matches left to play and a victory in each of the game will guarantee the league title.
They will be at home next weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderer and will hope to put on a better performance to avoid a repeat of the first-leg result back in September 2023.
Pep Guardiola’s men were defeated 2-1 in the first-leg, and they must avoid a defeat during their next meeting to stand a chance of winning the league title.
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