At the City Ground on Saturday, Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest gave the Premier League title edge back to Arsenal.
Chris Wood scored to cancel off Bernardo Silva’s opening goal, but City missed countless opportunities to secure three points and are currently two points behind Arsenal. The Gunners lead the twice-defending champions by one match.
Man City has grounded at the City Ground.
Much like Arsenal vs. Aston Villa earlier in the day, a Man City letdown seems possible, if not likely, but Bernardo Silva’s goal seemed to send out positive vibes. It didn’t work.
Despite having 73 percent possession, a 23-4 shot attempts advantage, and a healthy xG advantage — City produced 2.54 to Forest’s 0.98 — City couldn’t match its performance.
Keylor Navas made five saves as Forest’s back line, led by Felipe, pushed forward and caused problems for Erling Haaland and Co.
But, in reality, your finish can betray you, and Pep Guardiola will likely believe that is what happened here ahead of a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig in midweek.
In any case, Morgan Gibbs-seeing-eye White’s assist to Chris Wood was fitting, as the ex-Wolves man has been excellent for Forest recently and was perhaps the club’s lone attacking bright spot on Saturday.
Goals
MCI — Bernardo Silva (Jack Grealish) — 41st minute
NOT — Chris Wood (Morgan Gibbs-White) — 84th minute
What’s next?
Man City plays Bournemouth at 12:30 ET on Saturday, 2.5 hours after Forest kicks off West Ham.
Watch Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City: Stream 2022-23 Premier League Live
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday
TV Channel/Stream: online via Peacock Premium
Key storylines & star players
Forest has proven to be a good fighter, but as the club swings through its countless alternatives, it is still searching for its finest XI (yes, even given the many injuries at Forest). As a result, Keylor Navas has proven to be a fantastic acquisition, continuing the stellar play of Dean Henderson who was injured earlier this season.
City appears to be the most likely to begin. Phil Foden was left on the bench for Arsenal’s midweek win, and Foden’s chemistry with Erling Haaland was palpable earlier in the season. With Kevin De Bruyne in form and Haaland ending his goalless streak, Forest must be ready from the start.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City player ratings & status
Keylor Navas: Replacing the injured Dean Henderson with one of the all-time greats isn’t a bad trade.
Felipe: What a signing, whether in the middle of the park or on the back line.
Rodri: The most underappreciated superstar in the Premier League?
Jack Grealish: So bright, and deserved some end product.
Chris Wood: Did what he was asked. The only surprise is it wasn’t with his head.
Morgan Gibbs-White: When you cede possession, you require some magic. MGW was that and more.
