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Rayan Cherki Does It Again as City Snatch Crucial 2–1 Win
Rayan Cherki once again proved why he is emerging as one of the Premier League’s signings of the season, delivering a decisive performance to rescue all three points for Manchester City in a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Pep Guardiola’s side were pushed to the limit by a disciplined and dangerous Forest team, but Cherki’s creativity and composure ultimately made the difference. The French playmaker provided the assist for City’s opener and struck the late winner to secure an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions.
Match Summary
After a largely uneventful first half, City broke the deadlock early in the second period when Cherki teed up Tijjani Reijnders, who calmly finished to give the visitors the lead. The assist was Cherki’s seventh of the season, moving him joint-top of the Premier League assist charts alongside Bruno Fernandes.
The goal sparked a more open contest. Cherki went close to doubling City’s advantage but was denied by an outstanding fingertip save from Forest goalkeeper John Victor, who also kept out Phil Foden soon after.
Forest responded in style with a superb counter-attacking move, slicing through City’s defence before Omari Hutchinson finished from a cutback by the impressive Igor Jesus.
The final 30 minutes turned into a frenetic end-to-end battle, but City found the decisive moment late on. Cherki struck with an unstoppable low drive, sealing a priceless win and underlining his growing importance since arriving for just £34m.
Man City Player Ratings (via GOAL)
Goalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6/10
Made two saves. One was routine, the other nearly proved costly as he spilled a shot into danger. Looked uneasy at times but avoided punishment.
Matheus Nunes – 5/10
Offered some attacking intent but was caught out for Forest’s equaliser, along with several teammates. Beaten by excellent movement down his flank.
Ruben Dias – 5/10
Walked a tightrope after an early booking and failed to organise the defence effectively during Forest’s counter-attack.
Josko Gvardiol – 6/10
Struggled defensively at times but made amends with his attacking contributions, assisting Cherki’s late winner after helping create the opener.
Nico O’Reilly – 5/10
A challenging afternoon for the youngster. Tested relentlessly by Forest’s wide players and booked after being forced into recovery fouls.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva – 5/10
Uncharacteristically quiet and struggled to stem Forest’s momentum in the second half.
Nico Gonzalez – 5/10
Found the pace of the game difficult and tired badly late on. Couldn’t stop Forest’s break for the equaliser.
Tijjani Reijnders – 6/10
Focused more on arriving in advanced areas than controlling the tempo. His goal justified that approach, though City lost midfield control at times.
Attack
Rayan Cherki – 9/10
Outstanding and decisive. Supplied a sublime assist, came inches away from scoring moments later, and then delivered the winning goal with ruthless precision.
Erling Haaland – 5/10
Well marshalled by Nikola Milenkovic and starved of space. Blazed his best chance high and wide.
Phil Foden – 7/10
Linked up superbly with Cherki and was unlucky not to score, denied by a brilliant save from John Victor.
Verdict:
Manchester City were far from perfect, but Rayan Cherki’s brilliance once again proved decisive. In a tough away fixture, Guardiola’s side showed their winning mentality — and their French star continues to look like a bargain of the season.
