Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Match Report

Venue: Etihad Stadium
Competition: Premier League
Result: Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Scorers:

• Bernardo Silva (8’) assisted by Kevin De Bruyne
• Kevin De Bruyne (31’) assisted by Jérémy Doku
• Jérémy Doku (57’) assisted by Erling Haaland

Match Summary

Manchester City rediscovered their winning touch with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. Goals from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jérémy Doku secured a much-needed win, halting a frustrating run of form for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City’s performance was a statement, featuring clinical finishing and attacking dominance. Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September, was instrumental, orchestrating the midfield with precision and creativity.

First Half

City started with high intensity, pressing Forest from the first whistle. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 8th minute when Kevin De Bruyne delivered a perfect cross, which Bernardo Silva converted from close range.

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The hosts doubled their lead in the 31st minute. Jérémy Doku’s clever footwork opened up the Forest defence, allowing him to set up De Bruyne, who unleashed a sublime strike into the net. It was a vintage performance from the Belgian maestro, who marked his return to the starting XI with a goal and an assist.

While Nottingham Forest attempted to hit on the counter, City’s defence held firm, with Ruben Dias and Jack Grealish making key interventions to preserve their two-goal advantage at half-time.

Half-time Score: Manchester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Second Half

The second half saw City in complete control, with Jérémy Doku delivering one of his best performances in a City shirt. The Belgian winger capped off his night in style with a sensational solo goal in the 57th minute, cutting inside from the left before curling a shot into the bottom corner.

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Forest continued to press in search of a response but struggled to break through City’s disciplined defence. Nathan Ake’s substitution due to a potential injury was a slight concern, but it did not detract from an otherwise perfect evening for the hosts.

Late substitutions, including the introduction of Matheus Nunes, James McAtee, and Savinho, ensured fresh legs for the final minutes as City closed out the game comfortably.

Full-time Score: Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Key Performances:

• Kevin De Bruyne: A masterclass in midfield, contributing a goal and an assist in a commanding display.
• Jérémy Doku: Electrifying on the wing, his pace and skill were constant threats, and his goal was a moment of brilliance.
• Jack Grealish: Operating in a central role, Grealish controlled the tempo and played a pivotal role in City’s fluid attacking play.

Looking Ahead

This win marks a turning point for Manchester City, who needed a strong performance after a difficult stretch. With a busy fixture list ahead, including crucial Premier League and Champions League ties, this result will provide a much-needed boost in confidence as they look to mount a title challenge.

Stay tuned to City News Centre for the latest updates on Manchester City’s campaign.