Nottingham Forest stuns City on Saturday, boosting third place as they beat them 1-0 in the 28th round of the English Premier League.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s 83rd-minute strike sealed the result, elevating Forest to 51 points and solidifying their standing, just three points behind Arsenal, who face Manchester United on Sunday.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The match began with Nottingham Forest asserting control, pressing for an early goal. However, Manchester City’s organized defense held firm. City responded in the seventh minute when Erling Haaland unleashed a powerful shot that narrowly missed the right post. Despite Forest’s initial dominance, the game soon settled into a midfield battle, with both sides vying for supremacy.
Second Half Sparks Drama
The second half saw Nottingham nearly break the deadlock early on. A cross found Nicolas Dominguez, whose fierce shot was denied by City goalkeeper Ederson. The 67th minute brought Forest’s closest chance yet—Hudson-Odoi’s low drive struck the post after a touch from Ederson. Manchester City countered in the 72nd minute, with Kevin De Bruyne’s left-footed effort sailing over the bar.
Hudson-Odoi’s Decisive Strike
As City pushed forward, Nottingham relied on counterattacks. Their patience paid off in the 83rd minute when Hudson-Odoi latched onto a perfectly timed pass, stormed into the penalty area, and fired an unstoppable shot past Ederson. This goal cemented the forest stuns city narrative, silencing the reigning champions’ late surge.
Premier League Standings Shake-Up
With this win, Forest remain three points behind Arsenal, while Manchester City’s 47 points leave them vulnerable in fourth. A Chelsea victory over Leicester on Sunday could see City drop a spot, trailing the Blues by just one point. Nottingham’s defense stood tall in the final minutes, ensuring three crucial points in the tight title race.