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Rayan Cherki Choosing a good time to end his Premier League His late goal wins drought Manchester City A crucial 2-1 victory nottingham forest.
The France international has not scored in the league since the first day of the season, but his 83rd-minute strike ensured a sixth consecutive win for Guardiola’s side.
The three points take Arsenal top of the table before they host Brighton.
City Forest leveled the score when Omari Hutchinson’s goal canceled out Tijjani Reijnders’ opener from Cherki and looked like they would have to settle for a point.
But the manner in which City won again was an ominous sign for their title rivals.
Forest were evenly matched throughout the game but were thoroughly outplayed in the final 10 minutes, which will be hard for them.
They paid tribute to John Robertson before kick-off, remembering one of the greatest players who died on Christmas Day.
The Scot helped Forest win back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 and was described by Brian Clough as “the Picasso of our game”.
If Clough’s famous side is packed with talent, Sean Dyche’s current form may not be as pleasing to the eye.
But they effectively suppressed Manchester City in the first half, with neither side having a shot on target.
Forest had one of the better moments too, when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross looked to be touched in the seventh minute, but neither Igor Jesus nor Morgan Gibbs-White were able to collect.
The home team defended well and repelled any attack from Manchester City.
But that changed within three minutes of the restart, with the visitors’ first-time shot on target.
Cherki slipped under Reynders’ defense and fired a low first-time shot past Forest goalkeeper John Victor.
John made an excellent save to keep the score at 1-0 shortly after the Brazilian deflected Cherki’s shot onto the post.
It was a completely different game and Forest fought back in the 54th minute.
Gibbs-White launched a counterattack, Jesus pulled the ball back, and Hutchinson scored from 12 yards.
This allowed Forest to regain some control and they launched their second attack, leading to a great opportunity in the 66th minute.
Neco Williams’ shot was blocked by Gianluigi Donnarumma and right-back Nicola Savona fired the rebound from an acute angle.
The tables began to turn as City looked for a second chance and they had a good chance.
After some clever passing, Phil Foden’s footwork created a shooting chance and the net seemed certain to bulge until John stretched out a leg and made a crucial save.
Victory seemed inevitable. In the 83rd minute, a corner kick fell to Cherki from 12 yards out. He fired a low shot that John could not block.