September 23, 2023 – Football – Koora

Early Dominance

Manchester City maintained their firm grip on the Premier League’s top spot with a sixth consecutive victory, this time against Nottingham Forest, securing a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium in the sixth round of the English Premier League.

The defending champions, “The Citizens,” asserted their dominance within 7 minutes, precisely in the 7th and 14th minutes, with two goals scored by Phil Foden and the Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland, respectively.

Despite playing with a man down for most of the second half following the direct red card given to Spanish midfielder Rodri, Manchester City controlled the game and prevented the visitors from making a comeback.

City’s Unrivaled Lead

Pep Guardiola’s team, Manchester City, continues to lead the Premier League standings with a perfect 18 points. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, suffered their third loss of the season, remaining temporarily in the tenth position with 7 points.

As is customary, Manchester City started the match aggressively. The referee awarded them a direct free-kick, which was taken by Argentine midfielder Julian Alvarez but saved by Nottingham Forest’s goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 3rd minute.

Manchester City quickly opened the scoring in the 7th minute when right-back Kyle Walker caught a pass from Rodri over the defenders, and cleverly passed the ball back to Foden, who slotted it into the net.

They added their second goal in the 14th minute when Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes lifted a precise pass onto Haaland’s head, and he powered it into the net.

City’s Control Despite a Red Card

Alvarez penetrated Nottingham Forest’s defense and attempted a powerful shot that Turner deflected. Then, Raoul Jeremy Dokou intelligently passed it to Alvarez, but defender Pauli prevented him from taking a comfortable shot.

Rodri lost his temper and grabbed Gibbs-White by the neck, leading to the referee showing him a straight red card. City made an early substitution, bringing on Calvin Philips for Dokou.

Nottingham Forest seemed more confident after Rodri’s expulsion, especially after the introductions of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga. In response, Pep Guardiola brought in Nathan Ake for Alvarez.

Pauli delivered a pass over the defense, breaking Tywo Owoniyi’s offside trap, but the latter couldn’t direct the ball towards the goal as Ederson closed down the angle.

Dominguez tried his luck with a curved shot that missed City’s goal, then Ake broke Owoniyi’s offside trap and placed the ball on a silver platter for Haaland, who shot over the crossbar.

Jack Grealish came on for Foden, and Elanga met a cross with a direct shot that Ederson brilliantly saved. Ederson then controlled another shot from Nyakath.

Conclusion

Manchester City continued their impressive form with a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, securing their sixth consecutive win in the Premier League. Despite Rodri’s red card, the defending champions remained in control of the match, maintaining their perfect record at the top of the league standings with 18 points. Nottingham Forest faced their third loss of the season, currently positioned in the tenth spot with 7 points. Manchester City’s early goals by Phil Foden and Erling Haaland proved decisive, and their solid defense ensured a well-deserved victory.