Cherki’s late winner at Forest fires Man City top of the league

Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground thanks to Rayan Cherki’s late strike.

In the opening five minutes, the host could’ve taken the early lead after Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered a cross into the area, but Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White got in each other’s way, and the chance went begging.

Five minutes later, City appealed for a penalty after Cherki went down in the box under a challenge from Nikola Milenkovic; referee Andy Madley waved away the appeals after a VAR check.

The visitors continued to dominate and searched for an opener as Cherki saw his effort sail wide, while Erling Haaland and Phil Foden saw their efforts blocked from good positions.

Four minutes after the restart, Tijani Reijnders broke the deadlock when Cherki played him through on goal and the Dutchman finished past John Victor.

Moments later, Cherki could have doubled the Citizens’ advantage after he was found brilliantly by Bernardo Silva, and the Frenchman squeezed in a shot at the near post for Victor to parry away.

However, City’s lead didn’t last long enough, as Omari Hutchinson drew the Tricky Trees level six minutes later after Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus teed up to find an unmarked Hutchinson, who scored on the half volley.

Just past the hour mark, Neco Williams forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a smart save, and Nicola Savona fired over the rebound.

At the other end, Phil Foden’s effort from six yards was denied by Victor’s outstretched left foot to keep the hosts in the game.

Minutes later, Nico Gonzalez blasted his long-range effort well over the bar.

In the 83rd minute, Cherki restored City’s lead after Josko Gvardiol headed Foden’s corner to his path, and the Frenchman fired through traffic to send City to the top of the Premier League table.