Gibbs-White sends message to Nottingham Forest fans after Man City news
Nottingham Forest have “five more finals” to play this season after Manchester City knocked them out of the FA Cup.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side were on the back foot right from the first whistle at Wembley on Sunday, as Rico Lewis put Man City 1-0 up inside two minutes to set up a dominant display in the first 45 minutes.
Josko Gvardiol’s bullet header five minutes into the second half doubled City’s advantage and left them with one foot in the final, and despite Forest‘s revival over the next 40 minutes, they couldn’t find the net.
The Reds ailed to muster a single attempt on goal in the first half, but as City faded towards the back end of the second period, Forest did grow into the game ended the match with a higher xG of 1.68 to 1.37xG.
Gibbs-White issues five-word Nottingham Forest verdict
Forest’s captain at Wembley with Ryan Yates suspended, Gibbs-White picked up the Reds by their boot-straps in the second half to lead their attempted fightback against City, and struck the woodwork twice.
It’s no secret that City have their eyes on Gibbs-White as the summer transfer window nears, and after his individual performance towards the back end of the semi-final, that interest comes as no surprise.
| Manchester City | Statistics | Nottingham Forest |
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 1.37 | xG | 1.68 |
| 6 / 14 | Shots on Target | 1 / 8 |
| 67% | Possession | 33% |
| 6 | Corners | 2 |
However, Gibbs-White’s Instagram story post at full-time was reflective of a player who is happy to put in the hard yards for the shirt, with no inclincation that he plans to leave the City Ground any time soon.
Gibbs-White said: “Your support was the best I’ve ever seen – sorry we couldn’t get the job done. Five more finals to go.”
Man City set to intensify Gibbs-White interest
Fans were left convinced that Gibbs-White’s performance in the second half was one of a player able to play under Guardiola, but with Forest on the crest of a wave themselves, that’ll be easier said than done.
Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that City plan to open “preliminary talks” with Forest over Gibbs-White’s futute this summer, but the Reds are in no mood to lose their number 10.
Nuno’s side have just as great a chance as Guardiola’s of Champions League football next season, and if they do book a sensational return to Europe’s elite competition, Forest will be well-placed to keep hold of their star man.