A Solid Performance From Manchester City
When I wrote last evening about the impending Big Night for Pep Guardiola’s Champion side Manchester City, I was apprehensive. Not sure of what would be on display by City against Nottingham Forest. However, my fears were allayed by a solid performance from Manchester City. No frills, no big celebrations, just a focussed and steady day at the office.
Vintage Kevin De Bruyne
Bernardo Silva tapped City ahead in the 8th minute, after Erling Haaland’s effort was denied by Nottingham Forests goalkeeper. Captain Kevin de Bruyne made it two in the 31st minute by a fine strike from the edge of the box. It was vintage stuff from the Belgian who looked in fine form.
Doku, A Mighty Good Player for City
Jeremy Doku, de Bruyne’s countryman was brilliant from the left flank and scored a ripper in the 57th minute. His strike had precision and class written all over it. His dribbling skills too grabbed attention. Doku just gave another dimension to City’s formidable play.
Stefan Ortega’s Good Day At The Office
Stefan Ortega, City’s goalkeeper was in sublime form too making a terrific save in the first half to deny a powerful effort from Forest’s Morgan Gibbs – White. The defence comprising of Gvardiol, Ake, Ruben Dias and Akanji stood their ground and ensured a clean slate for the hosts.
A Sedate Night For Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest tried hard but could not create many chances. They had only 33% of the possession and were mostly trying to arrest the damage from the City Players.
City Finally Buck The Trend
Finally, Manchester City were able to buck the trend and ended their 7 match winless streak. Pep Guardiola had more relief than joy written all over his face.
The Big Night belonged to Manchester City.