Man City endured a difficult 90 minutes at City Ground on 27/12. In the 48th minute, Rayan Cherki threaded a pass for Tijjani Reijnders to enter the penalty area and strike a left-footed shot into the far corner, opening the scoring. The visitors' joy lasted only 6 minutes before Omari Hutchinson equalized for Nottingham Forest, leading to a back-and-forth contest.

In the remaining time, both teams created several chances, before Rayan Cherki unleashed a shot through a cluster of home defenders in the 83rd minute, securing the decisive goal for Man City. The 2-1 result marked their 8th consecutive victory across all competitions, allowing Man City to temporarily claim the top spot in the Premier League for a few hours before Arsenal reclaimed it.

"This is the kind of match we've experienced many times when winning the Premier League", Guardiola said after the game. "It's just three points, but three very important points due to the quality of the opponent."

Coach Pep Guardiola (left) embraces Bernardo Silva after Man City's 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in Premier League matchday 18 at City Ground, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom on 27/12. Photo: PA.

The Spanish coach also praised the opponent. Despite their inconsistent form recently, he stated that Nottingham Forest is a well-organized team, physically strong, and possesses many quality individuals. Guardiola emphasized that Man City could only win thanks to their spirit, resilience, and defense – qualities they lacked when they lost at City Ground last season.

The explosive reaction of Man City's players and coaching staff after the final whistle highlighted the victory's significance. Guardiola suggested that the team's mental turning point came during the FIFA Club World Cup, when the entire squad reflected on themselves and made numerous adjustments.

"Fans can accept it when you don't play well, but they won't accept a lack of heart and commitment", the 54-year-old coach said. "That connection is now clearly evident."

Rayan Cherki celebrates the decisive 2-1 goal. Photo: Man City.

With one goal and one assist, Cherki was voted man of the match. The French midfielder reached the milestone of contributing to 50 goals in Europe's top five national leagues (16 goals, 34 assists). Cherki also moved to the top of the Premier League's assist chart this season with 7, level with Man Utd's Bruno Fernandes.

"I want to scold him and kiss him at the same time", Guardiola quipped. "Cherki has extraordinary talent. I want Cherki to express himself freely, but the team needs to build up better from the back so he gets more possession."

After scoring the decisive 2-1 goal, Cherki replicated Erling Haaland's familiar meditation celebration. "Erling told me that when I score, I should celebrate like that, and I'm very happy", the 22-year-old midfielder stated.

On New Year's Day, 1/1, Man City will travel to face newly promoted Sunderland.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Mancity.com)