Manchester City ended their four-game Premier League losing streak with a dominant 3-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku made the difference against the in-form Forest as the reigning champions got their first win since October 26th.
City’s first chance of the game fell to the perfect man in Erling Haaland after a low fizz from our captain Kevin De Bruyne found the feet of the big man perfectly. Unfortunately, the Norwegian could not beat the goalkeeper.
Just two minutes later Bernardo Silva tapped the ball in after another tremendous low cross from De Bruyne. Pep Guardiola’s side were desperate to end this losing run in the Premier League and nearly found a second through Josko Gvardiol who should have put his header on target from close range.
The visitors had their first chance of the game through Morgan Gibbs-White and Ortega reacted quickly with a firm hand to deny the England international from the edge of the box.
Fans around the Etihad were on their feet waiting to celebrate City’s second goal as Gvardiol found himself through on goal after a clever through ball from Haaland but the Croatian failed to hit the target.
The in-form Chris Wood found himself in a similar situation through on goal after a rare Kevin De Bruyne error but he too failed to hit the target and put the ball wide. The Belgian did make up for his mistake however by smashing the ball past Matz Sels to double the Cityzen’s lead.
The Premier League champions did not take their foot off the gas in the second half as Jeremy Doku added a third with a great finish into the bottom corner. Erling Haaland got himself an assist after picking the ball up in midfield and finding the winger with an accurate through ball. The number nine showed that he was more than just a goalscorer tonight.
City looked comfortable with the three-goal lead but De Bruyne was determined to double his tally for the day but Selz managed to tip his effort wide. The experienced international was showing why he is the best in the world at creating in the final third.
Jeremy Doku was having one of his best games in the famous sky-blue shirt and was unlucky not to net the fourth and his second goal. The electric winger danced past his man with ease and fired the ball over the bar from inside the penalty area.
A late burst of pace from the substitute Savinho nearly earned the Brazilian an assist but the defender managed to get a foot in before it reached Erling Haaland at the back post to keep the game at 3-0 seconds before the full-time whistle for Manchester City’s first victory since October.
Player Ratings
Starting XI
Stefan Ortega Moreno – 7
Pulled off a good save in the first half to keep the game at 1-0. Will be happy with the clean sheet.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Came out on top in his battles with Elanga and remained in control. Came off at half time for Kyle Walker.
Nathan Ake – 7
Defended well on the left to cover for Gvardiol and was confident on the ball. Might have picked up an injury late in the game.
Ruben Dias – 7
Solid at the back and looked like his old self again. Strong performance from him today.
Josko Gvardiol – 7.5
Had the freedom to move wherever he wanted and should have scored twice in the first half.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5
Played a crucial role in the opening goal and was confident and composed on the ball.
Jack Grealish – 7.5
Moved into the middle of the pitch and glided past opponents to create overloads in the centre.
Kevin De Bruyne (C) – 9 (MOTM)
Controlled the game in the final third and scored a great goal to make it 2-0.
Bernardo Silva – 8
Great positioning for the opening goal and was really effective in the final third.
Erling Haaland – 8
Dropped deep to receive the ball and showed another level to his game. Earned his assist for Doku’s goal with a great through ball.
Jeremy Doku – 8.5
Had a good battle with his defender and showed great composure to wait for the opening with De Bruyne’s goal. Great finish for his goal.
Substitutes
Kyle Walker – 7
Defended well after coming on at half-time. Didn’t allow any runners behind him.
Rico Lewis – 6.5
Held his own in midfield to control the game at a slower tempo.
Matheus Nunes – N/A
Had a few touches but didn’t put a foot wrong after he came on late.
Savinho – N/A
Nearly provided an assist after he came on with a quick burst of pace and good cross late on.
James McAtee – N/A
Wasn’t on the pitch for long enough to make an impact but didn’t put a foot wrong.
