Nottingham Forest secured a critical 1-0 win over Manchester City champions in the city’s territory, thanks to a brilliant strike by Callum Hudson-Ooi.
The 45 -minute opening was closely challenged, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities.
Occupation of the city dominated the city’s possession, trying to break the well -organized defense line of the forest, but their usual liquidity in attack is missing.
The forest, on the other hand, played on the counterattack, using the rhythm of Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Ooi to exploit the space left by the high defensive line of the city.
The hosts had their first real opportunity when Chris Wood ran into a long ball over the top, but his attempt to Lob Ederson did not have the power and was convened comfortably by the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The best chance of the city for half came when Nico Gonzalez tried his luck, his strike by crushing out the post. Phil Foden also had the opportunity to break the impasse, but saw his attempt to block Nicolas Dominguez.
The second semester began with more attack than Forest, which seemed more and more confident of their approach.
ENTER!!! 😍 pic.twitter.com/dlpocdq83z
– Nottingham Forest (@nffc) 8 March 2025
They pushed higher to the city’s step and troubled backline, especially through the Hudson-Ooi dribble skill.
The city had a dangerous free kick just outside the box, with Kevin de Bruyne accelerating to get it. However, Matz Sels was equal to work, making a comfortable savings. A few minutes later, an attempt by De Bruyne was simply dumped from the position.
The discovery came in the 83rd minute. Morgan Gibbs-White took the ball in the middle section and saw Hudson-Ooi in the right.
The flap was cut in, took Josko Gvardiol and released a powerful plan to the near post. The ball broke the past Ederson and the net, sending the crowd home to a frenzy.
The city responded by throwing more bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Pep Guardiola introduced Omar Marmoush and De Bruyne in an attempt to add more aggressive impulse.
Mateo Kovacic had a final chance, hitting a volleyball from the edge of the box, but his effort was simply whistled.
The forest was held for a famous victory, very much for the enjoyment of their supporters. The territory of the city was in full voice, as the final whistle confirmed a crucial three -point for the homeland.
Nottingham Forest will look to build this momentum as they push for a four four finish. In the meantime, the city should be reconstituted quickly as they are chased in the last 10 games.
