Rayan Cherki winner helps Man City to go top

Rayan Cherki proved to be the difference-maker at the City Ground, driving Manchester City back to the Premier League summit with a pivotal role in both goals during a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. The French star provided the spark for Tijjani Reijnders’ opener before drilling home the late winner to sink a resilient Forest side.

The match began as a tactical stalemate, with a lackluster first half producing zero shots on target—the first time City have failed to test a keeper in the opening 45 minutes of a league game in a year. Forest nearly capitalized on this lethargy early on, but Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White both failed to connect with a teasing Callum Hudson-Odoi cross.

The intensity shifted immediately after the break as Cherki threaded a pass to Reijnders, who fired under John Victor to break the deadlock. Forest responded with spirit, leveling the scores through Omari Hutchinson after a swift counter-attack, and nearly took the lead when Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into a sharp save from Neco Williams.

As the clock ticked toward a draw, City’s relentless pressure finally told in the 83rd minute. Following a set-piece scramble, the ball fell to Cherki 12 yards out; he made no mistake, firing a low finish through a crowded box to secure City’s eighth straight win in all competitions.

While Forest can take heart from a defensive performance that frustrated the champions for long periods, City’s individual brilliance once again proved decisive. Guardiola’s men now sit comfortably at the top, shifting the pressure back onto their title rivals as the festive race intensifies.