EPL: Cherki’s late winner sends Man City top after gritty Forest win

EPL: Cherki’s late winner sends Man City top after gritty Forest win

Rayan Cherki scored a late winner as Manchester City earned a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a Premier League fixture on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s side survived a stern test from Forest to climb to the top of the Premier League table and boost their title push, with Cherki producing an inspired display.

The 22-year-old first laid on Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half opener before rifling home the decisive goal after Forest had levelled through Omari Hutchinson, who netted his first goal for the hosts.

City have now won eight successive matches in all competitions, including six in a row in the league. They sit one point clear of second-placed Arsenal, who can reclaim top spot with a win over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium later on Saturday.

Before kick-off, Forest paid an emotional tribute to former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day. Renowned for his dazzling dribbles and predatory finishing, Robertson was a key figure in Forest’s European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.

Guardiola had laid down the law over the festive period, warning his players against overindulging at Christmas and insisting anyone returning out of condition would not feature against Forest. Playing the role of Scrooge, the Man City boss even denied his squad a day off after last weekend’s win over West Ham to reinforce the message.

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