NOTTINGHAM — In a high-stakes post-Christmas encounter at the City Ground, Manchester City continued their relentless pursuit of the Premier League summit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The match, held on December 27, 2025, served as a tactical chess match between the legendary Pep Guardiola and Forest’s recent managerial appointment, Sean Dyche. While the “Tricky Trees” pushed the defending champions to the limit, City’s clinical edge proved the difference in a game defined by narrow margins and a vocal East Midlands crowd.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
The game began with Nottingham Forest looking surprisingly aggressive. Under Dyche, Forest has developed a reputation for being a difficult out at home, and the first 45 minutes proved that theory correct.
Goalless Gridlock at the Break
The first half was a masterclass in disciplined defending from the hosts. Forest’s defensive duo of Murillo and Nikola Milenković neutralized the threat of Erling Haaland effectively, while Igor Jesus led a high press that disrupted City’s usual rhythmic build-up.
City controlled roughly 68% of the possession but struggled to find a way through the compact 4-2-3-1 system deployed by Dyche. The best chance of the half fell to Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who nearly connected with a brilliant cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to watch it sail narrowly wide.
The Second Half Surge
The deadlock was finally broken in the second half when City’s persistence paid off.
- The Opener: Around the 55-minute mark, Phil Foden found a pocket of space and threaded a ball to Tijjani Reijnders, whose deflected shot found the back of the net.
- Forest’s Response: The City Ground erupted ten minutes later when Elliot Anderson capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from Rúben Dias, firing home a low drive to level the score at 1-1.
- The Clincher: With the game hanging in the balance, Nico O’Reilly—the young star who has become a fixture in Guardiola’s side—delivered a moment of brilliance. He linked up with Bernardo Silva before curling a spectacular effort into the top corner, securing the 2-1 win for the visitors.
Tactical Analysis: Dyche vs. Guardiola
This fixture was a fascinating study in contrasting styles. Sean Dyche, who joined Forest in October 2025, has successfully implemented a more resilient, physical approach. Forest sat deep, looking to exploit City’s high line via the pace of Omari Hutchinson and Hudson-Odoi.
Guardiola, meanwhile, opted for an unchanged side from the one that defeated West Ham 3-0. The most notable inclusion on the bench was Rodri, returning to the squad for the first time since early November. While he didn’t feature, his presence signaled a massive boost for City’s mid-season title charge.
Standout Performers
| Player | Team | Key Contribution |
| Nico O’Reilly | Man City | Scored the winning goal; exceptional ball progression. |
| Elliot Anderson | Nottm Forest | Scored the equalizer; primary engine in the Forest midfield. |
| Murillo | Nottm Forest | Recorded 8 clearances and 3 vital blocks against Haaland. |
| Bernardo Silva | Man City | Controlled the tempo; provided the assist for the winner. |
Impact on the Table
With this victory, Manchester City secures their eighth consecutive win across all competitions. The three points keep them in a neck-and-neck race with Arsenal for the top spot as 2025 draws to a close.
For Nottingham Forest, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow given their performance. However, the quality displayed against the champions suggests that Dyche’s men are on the “right track,” as noted by record signing Omari Hutchinson earlier this week. Forest remains 17th, just above the relegation zone, but with growing confidence in their survival bid.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City (Dec 27, 2025)
The post-Christmas clash at the City Ground was one of the most talked-about fixtures of the festive period. To help fans and analysts make sense of the result and its implications for the Premier League season, we have compiled the following FAQs based on the latest match data and team reports.
1. What was the final score of the Nottingham Forest vs. Man City match? Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1. The match was decided in the second half after a scoreless opening 45 minutes that saw Forest frustrate the reigning champions with a deep defensive block.
2. Who scored the goals for both teams? * Manchester City: Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a deflected effort. The winner was scored by rising star Nico O’Reilly in the 75th minute.
- Nottingham Forest: Elliot Anderson scored the equalizer in the 65th minute, briefly bringing the City Ground to its feet before City reclaimed the lead.
3. What does this result mean for the Premier League table? Manchester City earns three vital points, keeping them in a dead heat with Arsenal for 1st place. For Nottingham Forest, the loss leaves them in 17th place. While they remain outside the relegation zone, the narrow gap makes their upcoming New Year’s fixtures critical for survival.
4. How did Sean Dyche’s tactics affect Manchester City’s playstyle? Sean Dyche employed a traditional “low block,” forcing Manchester City to play around the perimeter rather than through the middle. Forest recorded 28 clearances and 12 blocked shots. While City maintained 68% possession, they were limited to fewer “big chances” than their season average, proving that Dyche’s defensive organization remains a formidable challenge for elite clubs.
5. Who was named Man of the Match? Nico O’Reilly was widely named Man of the Match. Beyond his stunning winning goal, the youngster completed 92% of his passes and was instrumental in breaking down Forest’s rigid midfield line.
6. Was Erling Haaland active in this game? Haaland played the full 90 minutes but was kept unusually quiet by Forest defenders Murillo and Nikola Milenković. Although he didn’t find the back of the net, his presence occupied multiple defenders, which ultimately created the space for Reijnders and O’Reilly to exploit.
7. Are there any injury concerns following the match? Manchester City appeared to escape without any fresh injuries, and the return of Rodri to the matchday squad (bench) is a massive boost for Pep Guardiola. Nottingham Forest will be monitoring Morgan Gibbs-White, who took a heavy knock late in the second half but managed to finish the game.
8. When is the next time these two teams play? The reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium is currently scheduled for the final month of the season, which could prove pivotal for both City’s title hopes and Forest’s battle against relegation.