Nottingham Forest delivered a major shock to Manchester City’s Champions League hopes with a dramatic 1-0 win at the City Ground on Saturday, thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late heroics.
City, the dominant force in English football for much of the past decade, now find themselves in an unfamiliar battle just to secure a top-four finish. Their ninth league defeat of the season leaves them vulnerable, with Chelsea breathing down their necks, just one point behind.
For Nottingham Forest, it was a night to remember. The historic club, once fighting relegation last season, is now third in the Premier League and inching closer to a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 1981.
City’s Struggles Continue
In a tense and cagey first half, both sides struggled to find their rhythm. City had their chances—Phil Foden saw a shot blocked, and Bernardo Silva wasted a golden opportunity with Erling Haaland unmarked. Meanwhile, Forest also threatened, with Nicolas Dominguez forcing Ederson into action.
Pep Guardiola turned to his bench, bringing on Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush, and Rico Lewis in an attempt to inject life into his lackluster team. But Forest, fueled by a roaring home crowd, had the last word.
Hudson-Odoi Seals It in Style
In the 83rd minute, Morgan Gibbs-White delivered a perfect pass to Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside and unleashed a stunning strike past Ederson. The City keeper got a hand to it but couldn’t keep it out. The City Ground erupted as Forest fans celebrated a victory that could define their season.
For City, the result raises serious concerns. With Chelsea poised to overtake them if they beat Leicester, Guardiola’s side faces an uphill battle to secure Champions League football. They’ll need to rediscover their form quickly if they want to salvage what has been a turbulent season.
