On a sunny Saturday lunchtime in Nottingham, Manchester City were defeated 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in a huge game in the race for a Champions League spot.
The reigning Premier League champions never really had an opportunity to win the game, although they may well have been happy with a point given how well Forest have played this season.
Unfortunately for City, they could not hold on, with Callum Hudson-Odoi the man who scored the only goal of the game for Forest. Morgan Gibbs-White played a sublime ball over the top, switching the play over to the former Chelsea winger. He drove into the City penalty box, slotting home at the near post for 1-0.
It was a disappointing performance from City, who, as per Sofascore, dominated possession, with 69% of the ball, and also had more shots than Forest, with 14 compared to the home side’s nine. However, Guaridola’s side managed just three on target.
The result leaves City scrambling for a top four finish, and the unthinkable might happen; they might not qualify for the Champions League. Guardiola said at full-time that they have “ten finals from now on” to reach Europe’s elite club competition.
It was a tough day for the Citizens, with goalkeeper Ederson one of the players who could be particularly disappointed.
Ederson’s performance vs. Forest
It was very much a mixed bag of a day for City’s first-choice goalkeeper Ederson. He made some fantastic saves, particularly one just past the hour mark. However, he certainly could have dealt with the winning goal better.
The impressive save he made, in the 66th minute, was a brilliant stop to deny eventual goalscorer Hudson-Odoi. The Forest number 14 cut inside on his right foot, and sent a curling effort towards the City goal.
Ederson made a superb save, tipping the shot onto the left post with an outstretched hand to keep it at 0-0.
However, he did not exactly cover himself in glory for the goal. Hudson-Odoi drove at Josko Gvardiol after picking up the ball from Gibbs-White, and went on the outside on his stronger foot.
His shot, which took a slight deflection off Gvardiol, beat Ederson at the near post, a chance he probably should have saved.
Chalkboard
In a season which has been tough at times for Ederson, conceding like that in a crucial match was far from ideal. However, he was not the only City player who struggled at the City Ground on Saturday.
One Man City star who could be finished under Pep
As disappointing as Ederson was at the City Ground, he was perhaps not as bad as Matheus Nunes. The Portugal international, who played at right back, struggled against Hudson-Odoi, who was sensational and relentless when driving at the City defence.
Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski gave Nunes a 5/10 rating for his performance. The chief Manchester City writer said he ‘gave away a few needless corners’, although was full of praise for the fact he ‘battled on through injury’.
In terms of Nunes’ stats from the game, they were somewhat underwhelming. The midfielder-turned-defender had 58 touches and completed 88% of his passes. Defensively he struggled, winning one out of three tackles and one out of six ground duels.
Stat
Number
Touches
58
Pass accuracy
88%
Passes completed
43/49
Ground duels won
1/6
Tackles won
1/3
Number of times ball lost
8
Right-back has been a slight issue for Guardiola this season. Kyle Walker looked a shadow of his former self, and has now left the club on loan. Rico Lewis is talented but still inexperienced, hence why he has turned to Nunes at times to play right-back.
With another disappointing performance from Nunes, it does seem like City might have to try and add depth at right-back, to give him some support. Well, they were linked with Andrea Cambiaso recently, and he can play both sides at full-back.
Whatever Nunes’ future holds, perhaps his days at right-back are numbered. He is a talented player, but has been exposed there at times, including by Manchester United star Amad in the Manchester Derby in December.
How long Guardiola perseveres with Nunes at right-back remains to be seen, but with “ten finals” left this season, it could be a bold call whichever way he decides to go.
Outclassed by Gibbs-White: Pep must now finally axe 5/10 Man City star
Man City were beaten by Forest in a huge game
ByJoe NuttallMar 8, 2025