Manchester City 2 Nottingham Forest 0: City player ratings as City’s title destiny remains in their hands

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City overcame a determined Nottingham Forest to pick up a crucial 2-nil victory. It wasn’t a vintage performance from the champions as they were made to work by Nuno Espírito Santo’s side to pick up a crucial victory.

Given Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Tottenham before City’s game against Nottingham Forest was a must win for Pep Guardiola’s side. They did suffer a blow pre-game with Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, both not in the City squad due to illness. In the end, Manchester City picked up a precious three points without two key players. Goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland gave the champions a precious three points in this season’s title race and, in the process, keep their title destiny in their hands. The world champions now need 4 wins from their final 4 Premier League games to seal a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Here are the City player ratings from a precious victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City player ratings

Ederson-4/10: Substituted at half-time with a shoulder injury. Ederson looked shaky in the first half before he was substituted.

Kyle Walker-5/10: Walker’s first half was poor, but he was marginally better in the second half. It was not his best day at the office.

Manuel Akanji-7.5/10: Once again was immense at the back. Is beginning to form a good partnership in defence with Nathan Ake.

Nathan Ake-8/10: The Dutch international was superb once again. He made several crucial interceptions and never put a foot wrong.

Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Scored City’s opener with a powerful header. Another good performance from the Croatian.

Rodri-7.5/10: Another fine display from City’s midfield general. Dictated midfield and provided a calming presence in the face of Nottingham Forest’s pressure.

Bernardo Silva-6.5/10: Not his most dynamic display, but Bernardo once again did the grunt work for his team. He gave City a more reliable option on the right wing when he was moved at half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne-8/10: Provided two assists and gave City the quality they needed. His all-around performance wasn’t his best, but he had the defining impact on the game.

Jeremy Doku-4/10: Started on the right wing but looked lost in the first half. Gave away possession to easily and looked lost when tracking back.

Jack Grealish-5/10: The England international toiled away, but like many of his teammates, he couldn’t get into the game. Was taken off at the hour mark.

Julian Alvarez-6.5/10: He once again toiled away up front. Alvarez came to life with Haaland’s introduction and looked more lively with support up front.

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega-7/10: Didn’t have a lot to do once he was introduced, but he did providing a calming influence to the City defence.

Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Besides the opening 10 minutes, he provided more control in the heart of midfield. Did exactly what Pep Guardiola brought him on to do.

Erling Haaland-8/10: The champions immediately looked a better team with Haaland’s introduction in the second half. Put away his chance when it presented itself and looks poised for a big final stage of the season.

Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Oscar Bobb-N/A: Not on long on enough to mark.

Tags Arsenal Bernardo Silva Ederson English Premier League Erling Haaland Jack Grealish Jeremy Doku Josko Gvardiol Julian Alvarez Kevin De Bruyne Kyle Walker Manchester City Manuel Akanji Mateo Kovacic Matheus Nunes Nathan Ake Nottingham Forest Oscar Bobb Premier League title race Rodri Stefan Ortega The City Ground Tottenham Hotspur