In a dramatic turn of events in the English Premier League title race, Manchester City have seized the top spot following a gritty 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Late Cherki Strike Secures Crucial Three Points
The match was a tense affair that saw City break the deadlock just three minutes after halftime through midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. However, the home side responded swiftly, with Omari Hutchinson scoring his first goal for Forest to equalise only six minutes later, capitalising on a defensive error.
With the game heading for a draw, substitute Rayan Cherki emerged as the hero for the visitors. In the 83rd minute, the Frenchman found the corner of the net with a precise strike from the edge of the box, securing a vital winner for Pep Guardiola's men.
This result extends Manchester City's impressive winning streak to eight matches across all competitions and moves them to 40 points from 18 games, one point clear of Arsenal who have a game in hand against Brighton.
Guardiola Praises Team's "Unbelievable" Mentality
Speaking after the final whistle, manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his team's resilience and mental strength in a challenging away fixture during the busy festive period.
"We talked a lot about this in the last few days with the players. Winter time, at Nottingham Forest, you have to be there, there, there. Today if we are not ready, then we do not win that game," Guardiola stated.
He further emphasised, "The mentality was unbelievable, so I’m really pleased again for the guys." The Spanish tactician highlighted that the team's preparation and focused mindset were the key factors that allowed them to grind out a victory under significant pressure.
Title Race Implications and City's Relentless Push
The victory carries immense significance in the Premier League title race. It not only puts Manchester City in pole position but also demonstrates their ability to secure wins even when not at their fluent best. This ability to 'win ugly' is often cited as a hallmark of championship-winning sides.
Nottingham Forest, despite strong performances from defenders Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic and a valiant effort overall, were ultimately unable to hold off City's persistent attacking threat in the closing stages.
With the title race heating up, Manchester City have sent a clear message to their rivals. Their combination of individual brilliance, like Cherki's late intervention, and collective mental fortitude, as praised by Guardiola, makes them formidable contenders as they continue their relentless pursuit of another Premier League crown.
