Manchester City host at the Etihad again, and fans have got the place rocking. As the Blues prepare to take on Nottingham Forest, they hope to continue their winning streak.
So far, City have claimed all three points from all games. Entering the new 23/24 campaign as European and Premier League Champions/Treble winners, has provided a fear factor for others.
Ultimately, we are the team to beat.
But Forest were shaky in the opening minutes. Following a sloppy challenge, a free-kick was awarded to the Blues within just three minutes.
However, it was not long after that City opened the scoring on seven minutes. A wonderful team goal which started with a lovely cross-field pass from no other than Rodri. As Walker picked up the ball six-yards out, he laid it off to Foden who smashed it past Turner.
While the Blues oozed class and confidence, they felt inevitable during the first half. And they were. City doubled their lead 14 minutes in with another fantastic team-worked goal.
Foden slipped the ball through to Nunes, who dinked it to Haaland before getting his first assist for the club after the Norwegian headed it home.
For a short period following City’s second, Nottingham Forest were able to force themselves into the game following a free-kick gifted by Akanji.
During a period of defending for City, both Akanji and Guardiola saw bookings. Meanwhile Nottingham Forest picked up a couple of bookings during the first half themselves.
However, it was not long before Manchester City regained control.
The Blues went into the break comfortably 2-0 up.
HALF-TIME | Two superb goals give us a lead at the interval! 🙌
🔵 2-0 🌳 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/LRzGlcmyiI
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 23, 2023
Manchester City lost the plot just one minute into the second half, and Rodri was sent off for an aggressive coming together with Morgan Gibbs-White.
A silly altercation that will see the crucial player miss the next three games, including the clash against Arsenal.
Jeremy Doku was sacrificed as Guardiola looked to bolster defensive options and a change in shape as Phillips comes on in a double pivot with Nunes.
City were all over the place in the aftermath of the red as they tried to settle with ten men, but Forest were up for the challenge. They were energised and brought on two strikers to win the game.
Guardiola saw the danger and replaced Julian Alvarez with Ake to strengthen their defence.
It seemed that more heads were lost as Ederson was also booked for getting in the face of a Forest player, however he received a yellow and was reminded by the kitman during the game that he was on thin ice.
Despite being down to ten men, the Blues managed to adapt and create some chances as Cooper threw all of his attackers at the game. The best chance fell to Haaland who could not convert.
Ederson became the hero for City again, as he made some vital saves to keep his team in the lead. And a much needed return for Jack Grealish as he replaced Foden late on.
The Blues claimed all three points in a dramatic game at the Etihad.
Manchester City 2 – 0 Nottingham Forest.
