Callum Hudson-Odoi struck a dramatic late goal to hand Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, delivering a significant setback to City’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot.
The defeat at The City Ground marked City’s ninth league loss of the season, leaving Pep Guardiola’s men struggling to maintain their position in the Premier League’s top four. Meanwhile, Forest, enjoying a remarkable campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo, climbed to third place, strengthening their bid for a historic return to Europe’s elite club competition.
Once dominant in the league, City now find themselves just one point ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who could overtake them with a win against Leicester on Sunday. Finishing fifth may still offer a Champions League spot, depending on other English clubs’ performances in European competitions, but Guardiola’s side will need a drastic turnaround in form.
Forest, on the other hand, are now four points clear of City, continuing their fairytale season just a year after battling relegation. Their victory over the reigning champions was their first league win against City since 1997.
The match was largely cagey and uneventful in the first half, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. Nico González came close for City early on, while Bernardo Silva wasted a key opportunity by opting to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Erling Haaland.
City’s Jeremy Doku forced a save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, but it was Forest who finished stronger. In the 83rd minute, Morgan Gibbs-White unlocked City’s defense with a perfect pass to Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside and fired a brilliant strike past Ederson at the near post.
The City Ground erupted in celebration as Forest moved closer to securing a Champions League spot for the first time since the 1980-81 season.
With City’s title hopes long gone, their immediate focus shifts to salvaging their top-four status. Forest, meanwhile, continue their impressive run, proving they belong among England’s elite.
Guardiola will now face mounting pressure to rescue City’s turbulent season, while Nuno Espírito Santo’s men will look to maintain their momentum in the final stretch of the campaign.
