Erling Haaland returned from injury to keep Manchester City’s title push on track as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 2-0 win over relegation-battling Nottingham Forest.
Only Josko Guardiola’s near post header separated the sides at half-time as Kevin De Bruyne fired home a corner in front of Man City.
Forest were made to rue the big chances they missed in the opening 45 minutes, with Chris Wood and Murillo both having chances to equalize at the City Ground.
But Pep Guardiola, overseeing his 300th Premier League game as City boss, called on Haaland in the second half and the Norway international duly doubled City’s lead to push the reigning champions back within a point of leaders Arsenal, who had earlier beaten Tottenham. Sunday.
It was almost a dream opening minute for Forest when Ola Ain’s cross was met at the back post by an unmarked Neco Williams but he failed to properly connect with a close range shot.
Nottingham Forest were made to pay when City opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. De Bruyne’s excellent delivery found Guardiola, who headed home at the front post.
Wood should have restored parity shortly after as he found himself in acres of space when Gonzalo Montiel clipped it in on the volley, but the ball found its way to the striker’s feet and the goal was at his mercy.
Forest went agonizingly close again early in the half, with Ederson – who was subsequently sent off at the break – fortunately denied after failing to deal with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s corner, but Murillo failed to capitalize on several finishes. yards out.
Wood saw another huge chance early in the second half, but his close-range effort was blocked by Anthony Elanga’s excellent work down the left.
De Bruyne again showed his creative spark when he slotted a through ball past the Forest defense in the 63rd minute, but Julian Alvarez’s effort from the edge of the box flew into the stands behind the goal.
Matz Sels was called into action moments later when he palmed De Bruyne’s thunderous long-range strike into the top-left corner.
But City finally arrived when, in the 71st minute, De Bruyne picked out Haaland who calmly beat his marker, moved it onto his right foot and tucked into the bottom left corner to end Forest’s hopes of a comeback.
While City remain hot on Arsenal’s heels, Forest remain just one point above the relegation zone, having lost three of their last four games.
Guardiola – 300 failed
On Sunday, Guardiola played in his 300th Premier League game in charge of Man City, becoming the 19th manager to reach that total and only the fifth to do so for a single club.
In 300 games under the Spanish manager, City won 221, scored 741 goals and conceded just 247 times.
City now hold a four-point lead over Liverpool, whose title hopes are fading fast, and Guardiola will surely have his sights set on an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
Forest’s recurring problems show no signs of abating
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have now conceded 29 first-half goals in 35 league games this season, with only Sheffield United (38) and Burnley (30) conceding more.
The Tricky Trees – who are one of three teams fighting for 17th place after Everton pulled themselves to safety last week – have also conceded 23 goals from set pieces this term, at least five more than any other team.
Despite trailing at the break, Forest’s xG of 1.27 was the most of any side in the first half against City in all competitions this season, with waste in front of goal another glaring problem for Nuno to address.
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