Nottingham Forest 3-1 Manchester City: Cunha 6, Delap 18, 73; Cherki 52
The most emphatic performance from Nottingham Forest, and huge relief for Oliver Glasner, who was already high on pundits’ list of managers who could be sacked in the coming international break.
It’s hard to decide what is worse for Enzo Maresca and Manchester City: the fact they were beaten convincingly by a side who were on a five-game winless run and had gone into the weekend in the relegation zone, the fact they have now lost three league games in a row, or perhaps the fact that these losses are deserved and in fact a reflection of their actual performance so far this season.
There is still of course the looming spectre of the 114 charges City have been found guilty of. There are questions as to what this season might mean for them overall, but now Maresca has a lot more to worry about on the pitch after being blown away at Forest’s City Ground.
Jair Cunha gave the hosts an early lead after six minutes. The defender dispossessed Josko Gvardiol and drove into the penalty area before beating Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City struggled to respond and Forest soon punished them again. Liam Delap had endured a difficult spell since his move from Chelsea, but he showed what he could offer with a fine individual goal in the 19th minute.
The striker collected the ball in his own half and surged forward through the City defence. He then fired past Donnarumma to double Forest’s advantage.
Olé, olé! 🫨 https://t.co/EEcSETTXch
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) November 7, 2026
Forest could in fact have made it three before half-time. James McAtee missed a good chance after the hosts won possession high up the pitch, and the midfielder later sent another effort wide.
City also had opportunities to reduce the deficit. Enzo Fernandez failed to direct Marc Guehi’s cross towards goal, and Erling Haaland was denied by Cunha after rounding Matz Sels.
The visitors returned with greater purpose after the break and found a way back into the game seven minutes into the second half.
Jeremy Doku broke down the left and his cross reached Rayan Cherki after Forest failed to clear the ball. The France international struck a powerful half-volley into the top corner to make it 2-1.
City pushed for an equaliser and Haaland came close with a curling effort that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Forest survived another scare when Ryan Yates saw his shot deflect off Elliot Anderson and hit the bar. They then found the goal that settled the contest in the 73rd minute.
Delap led a quick counterattack and released Morgan Gibbs-White, who raced forward before returning the ball to the striker. Delap finished emphatically off the far post to complete his brace. Trouble for City.
