City End 2025 in Style with Late Win at Nottingham Forest
Rayan Cherki’s 83rd-minute strike secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest, capping off a perfect end to 2025. After a first half with no shots on target, Tijjani Reijnders broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half, calmly finishing a well-worked move.
The hosts responded quickly when Omari Hutchinson equalised from close range just six minutes later, threatening to deny City a perfect December. However, Cherki, who also assisted Reijnders’ opener, drilled a low volley through a crowded penalty area to snatch the decisive goal.
Match Overview
The opening 45 minutes at the City Ground were largely cagey, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Nottingham Forest had an early scare when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s dangerous cross narrowly evaded Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White in front of goal. City controlled possession but found it difficult to break down the home side, with Cherki’s looping shot going over the bar and attempts from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden blocked.
The game sprang to life shortly after the break. Cherki’s clever pass split the Forest defence, allowing Reijnders to slot home and put City ahead. Cherki almost doubled the lead shortly after, but John Victor’s intervention pushed the ball wide. Forest responded with Hutchinson finishing Igor Jesus’ cross to level the score, while their Brazilian striker caused problems throughout, setting up Neco Williams for a saved effort and testing Donnarumma with rebounds.
As the game neared its conclusion, City earned a corner which was cleared to Cherki. The Frenchman’s first-time effort found the back of the net, ensuring a thrilling late win and maintaining City’s momentum heading into the New Year.
Line-Ups
Nottingham Forest: John Victor, Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez (Awoniyi 87), Anderson, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White (C), Hudson-Odoi (Bakwa 92), Igor Jesus
Subs not used: Sels, Morato, Douglas Luiz, Kalimuendo, McAtee, Zinchenko, Abbott
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Bernardo (C), Reijnders (Savinho 73), Foden, Cherki (Ake 89), Haaland
Subs not used: Trafford, Rodri, Khusanov, McAidoo, Mukasa, Lewis, R Heskey
Conclusion
The win marked City’s eighth consecutive victory in all competitions, briefly taking them to the top of the Premier League before Arsenal’s late win over Brighton. With the title race tightening, this victory not only boosts morale but also keeps Pep Guardiola’s side in strong contention for silverware across all competitions. Cherki and Reijnders were standout performers, and City will look to carry this momentum into the busy fixture schedule at the start of 2026.
