Callum Hudson-Odoi struck late in the second half to secure a vital Premier League win for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City at the City Ground.
With just seven minutes remaining in an otherwise uneventful match, Hudson-Odoi controlled a brilliant pass from Morgan Gibbs-White before firing past Ederson at his near post, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
In a contest seen as crucial in the battle for Champions League qualification, City had the better chances in the first half but struggled to break down Forest’s resolute defense. Nico Gonzalez came closest before the break, narrowly missing the target with a powerful strike.
Forest showed more urgency in the second half, with Nico Dominguez volleying straight at Ederson seconds after the restart. Hudson-Odoi also saw a low effort tipped onto the post by the City goalkeeper midway through the half.
Pep Guardiola introduced Kevin De Bruyne and Omar Marmoush with 20 minutes to play, but City failed to create clear-cut chances before Hudson-Odoi’s decisive moment.
The defeat—City’s ninth in the league this season, equaling their highest tally under Guardiola—leaves them in fourth place. Meanwhile, Forest move up to third, four points ahead of City, who could drop further if Chelsea defeat Leicester City on Sunday.
Resolute Forest Secure a Landmark Victory
While the match itself may not be remembered for its excitement, the result could prove to be one of the most significant in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable season.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now holds a seven-point cushion over sixth-placed Newcastle United, with a top-five finish likely securing their return to European football’s elite for the first time since 1980-81.
Forest struggled to make an attacking impact in the first half, but their resolute defense—having conceded just 10 league goals at home this season—stood firm against a City side that failed to turn possession into clear-cut chances.
Growing in confidence after the break, Dominguez tested Ederson early in the second half with a first-time shot from Elanga’s lofted pass. However, it was Hudson-Odoi who ultimately provided the breakthrough.
The 24-year-old was initially denied by a brilliant Ederson save after displaying quick footwork in the box, but his persistence paid off. With just minutes remaining, his low drive slipped past the City goalkeeper, sealing Forest’s first Premier League victory since their emphatic 7-0 win over Brighton on February 1.
Another Costly Defeat for City
Accustomed to competing for the Premier League title and Champions League glory, Manchester City now find themselves in serious danger of missing out on Europe’s top competition for the first time since 2010.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Guardiola’s side struggled to break down a disciplined Forest defense. Erling Haaland failed to capitalize after dispossessing Chris Wood near the edge of the area, while Nico Gonzalez sent a fierce strike just wide.
Frustrated with his team’s slow tempo, Guardiola animatedly urged his players to inject more urgency, but his pleas went unanswered.
City’s best chance in the second half came through Mateo Kovacic, who narrowly missed the target in stoppage time. Meanwhile, Ederson will likely be disappointed to have let Hudson-Odoi’s shot slip past him at the near post, despite getting a hand to it.
This marks the fifth time City have failed to score in a Premier League match this season—their worst tally under Guardiola since his debut campaign in 2016-17.
