Manchester City Keep Title Hopes Alive with Hard-Fought Win Over Nottingham Forest

As the Premier League title race heats up, Manchester City have kept their hopes of a fourth consecutive title alive with a hard-fought 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest. The win closes the gap with leaders Arsenal to just one point, and City’s destiny is now firmly in their own hands.

Manchester City’s players celebrate a goal during their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest

City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s bravery in the face of a spirited Forest performance. ‘It was a difficult game, they played with bravery,’ Guardiola told Sky Sports. ‘They have fast players with a lot of quality, so we found a goal in the moment when it was 10 against 11.’

The game was far from one-sided, with Forest creating several clear-cut chances, including two for Chris Wood. However, City’s quality eventually told, with Josko Gvardiol powering home a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 32nd minute. Erling Haaland, who came on as a substitute, sealed the win with his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

Erling Haaland celebrates scoring Manchester City’s second goal against Nottingham Forest

Haaland, who had been out injured for the past two games, was relieved to be back on the scoresheet. ‘It’s an important win, it does not matter how we do it, and it’s good to be back,’ he said. ‘We knew it was going to be a fight, and the pitch was not the easiest to play on, but we cannot complain, it’s about winning, and that’s exactly what we did.’

The win keeps City firmly in the title hunt, with four games remaining. Liverpool, who are four points behind City, are realistically out of the title picture, having played a game more. Forest, meanwhile, remain just one point outside the relegation zone with three games to go.

Nottingham Forest players look dejected after their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City

As the season enters its final stretch, City will be hoping to maintain their momentum and keep the pressure on Arsenal. With their title destiny in their own hands, City will be confident of bringing home a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Manchester City’s players celebrate their 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest