Manchester City secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, putting an end to their four-game losing streak in the Premier League. The win was especially significant as it marked the return of Kevin De Bruyne, who scored one goal and assisted another in his first start since mid-September due to an abdominal injury.
De Bruyne’s influence was evident from the get-go, contributing to the opening goal in the eighth minute, where he headed the ball towards the net, allowing Bernardo Silva to tap it in from close range. The Belgian then scored his own goal at the 31-minute mark, firing from just inside the box after receiving an assist from Jeremy Doku. Doku capped off the scoring in the 57th minute, showcasing his talent with a powerful finish after a brilliant assist from Erling Haaland.
This win not only lifted Manchester City to provisional fourth place in the Premier League standings but also broke their seven-match winless slump across all competitions. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed relief at the much-needed victory, emphasizing its importance for both the team and the club’s morale.
Despite some earlier speculation regarding a rift between De Bruyne and Guardiola following his injuries, the 33-year-old was given the captain’s armband for this match and led with distinction. Guardiola praised De Bruyne’s performance, noting his defensive contributions and leadership on the pitch.
Nottingham Forest, in contrast, faced disappointment as they slipped to seventh in the league after having some chances to score, most notably when Chris Wood missed a one-on-one situation with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Ortega notably replaced Ederson for the second game in a row, making a remarkable save from Morgan Gibbs-White early in the match, further demonstrating City’s defensive resilience.
Overall, this match signifies a promising turnaround for Manchester City, showcasing the return of critical players like De Bruyne and the potential for recovery in the season ahead. It’s a hopeful reminder that even after a challenging period, teams can regain their form and find success once more.