Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League win in five games by beating Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground and condemning the visitors to a third league loss in a row.
Forest started quickly and moved in front when Jair Cunha robbed Josko Gvardiol before running into the penalty area and firing into the bottom corner. It was the home side’s first league goal at home this season.
Liam Delap doubled their lead, lashing through the centre of the City defence before smashing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Gvardiol just managed to block an Erling Haaland shot off the line while Enzo Fernandez missed the target from inside the area. Manchester City had opportunities before the break, but Enzo Fernandez headed just over from close range, and Cunha got away with a clearance off the line from Haaland.
Two of Maresca’s substitutions came at the break, and City replied when Rayan Cherki scored a magnificent left-footed half-volley from the edge of the box after Jeremy Doku’s cutback.
But Forest drew level as Delap took advantage of Delap’s second break, firing at the far post and into the net.
The loss further dented City’s hopes of the title and handed Arsenal more of a gap to close. Forest moved out of the relegation zone with three much-needed points.
