Nottingham Forest won a crucial 1-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City in the city, thanks to a brilliant strike by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The opening 45 minutes were closely disputed, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities.
City dominated the possession and wanted to break down the well -organized line of Forest, but their usual fluidity was missing in the event of attack.
Forest, on the other hand, played on the counterattack, using the pace of Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi to use the space that has been left by the high line of defense of the city.
The hosts had their first real chance when Chris Wood held a long ball over the top, but his attempt to suffer Lob Niererson, lacked power and was comfortably collected by the Brazilian keeper.
City’s best chance of half came when Nico Gonzalez tried his luck at a distance, his strike poured from the outside of the post. Phil Foden also had the chance to break the impasse, but saw his effort blocked up close by Nicolas Dominguez.
The second half started with more attacking intention of Forest, which seemed increasingly confidence in their approach.
Board !!! 😍 pic.twitter.com/dlpocdq83z
– Nottingham Forest (@nffc) March 8, 2025
They pressed higher on the field and the backline of the city, mainly due to the dribbling capacity of Hudson-Odoi.
City had a dangerous free kick just outside the box, where Kevin De Bruyne performed to take it. Matz Sels, however, was the same as the task and made a comfortable salvation. Minutes later, a curly effort from De Bruyne sailed just wide from the post.
The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute. Morgan Gibbs-White took the ball in midfield and saw Hudson-Odoi in the room on the right.
The winger cut in, took on Josko Gvardiol and unleashes a powerful shot in the direction of the nearby pole. The ball squeezed Edererson and in the net and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
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 attacking impulse.
Mateo Kovacic got a last chance and hit a volley of the edge of the box, but his effort floured just wide from the post.
Forest held up for a famous victory, much to the delight of their supporters. The city ground was with a full voice when the last whistle confirmed a crucial three points for the home team.
Nottingham Forest will want to build on at the moment, while insisting on a top-four finish. In the meantime, City will have to regroup quickly while having to chase them in the last 10 games.
