Matheus Nunes dreadful, Ederson stars – Man City ratings v Nottingham Forest
Pep Guardiola’s side were handed a hammer blow at The City Ground as Man City lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
With both sides fighting to finish third in the Premier League this season, it was a tightly-fought affair in the early kick-off on 8 March, with neither side able to break the deadlock until the final 10 minutes.
Callum Hudson-Odoi picked up a brilliant cross-field pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, who fired past Ederson at his near post with just seven minutes of normal time left to play.
Erling Haaland had multiple chances in the first half, beating Forest’s FA Cup hero Matz Sels but also beating the far post.
Ederson, who has been linked with a Man City exit recently, denied Hudson-Odoi’s once in the second half but was beaten by the former Chelsea man later in the clash.
Matheus Nunes struggles in Nottingham Forest battle
Ederson – 8 – Player of the Match
Pulled off an incredible save to deny Hudson-Odoi, pushing the winger’s fiery shot onto the post. Kept City out of trouble, but likely should have done better for Forest’s winner.
Matheus Nunes (Off for Rico Lewis 61′) – 2
Always strange to see Nunes starting at right-back when Rico Lewis is available. Picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Gibbs-White and was quickly substituted.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 6
Growing into the Premier League after his awful debut against Chelsea. Combatted well against Chris Wood, though he was sometimes left on the deck by the Kiwi.
Ruben Dias – 6
A similar display to his centre-back partnership, staying strong against a dangerous Forest team at The City Ground. Much-needed after injuries to Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji.
Joska Gvardiol – 7
Fully involved throughout the game, flying down the left flank and offering support in the final third. Created chances but there was no final touch.
| Nottingham Forest | Man City |
| 31% possession | 69% possession |
| 0.62xG | 0.85xG |
| 9 shots | 14 shots |
| 3 corners | 2 corners |
Jeremy Doku offers bright spark in Man City’s final third
Nico Gonzalez (Off for Mateo Kovacic 61′) – 3
A tough afternoon for the Rodri replacement, scything down Nicolas Dominguez during the first half and might have been lucky to remain on the pitch in the second half.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Continued pushing at The City Ground, always showing urgency to get something out of the game, especially after going 1-0 down.
Phil Foden (Off for Omar Marmoush 68′) – 4
An incredibly quiet afternoon for the England international, barely being able to make a scratch on Forest’s defence before being hooked.
Erling Haaland disappears at The City Ground
Savinho (Off for Kevin De Bruyne 68′) – 6
A bright display from the Brazilian, dancing down the right flank and causing Neco Williams issues all afternoon, but he could not find the final ball at The City Ground.
Jeremy Doku – 7
Kept Ola Aina on strings against Forest, even after the full-back was given an early warning.
Erling Haaland – 3
Barely involved after having a couple of early chances, being marked completely out of the game. To be fair to Haaland, who is often criticised by Man City fans, there was a lack of support in the final third. Suffocated.
Substitutes
Rico Lewis (On for Nunes 61′) – 6
Not enough time to make a big enough impact on the pitch.
Mateo Kovacic (On for Gonzalez 61′) – N/A
Omar Marmoush (On for Foden 68′) – N/A
Kevin De Bruyne (On for Savinho 68′) – 6
Offered much more going forward than many of his teammates despite only just being on the pitch for 25 minutes.