Manchester City picked up a win yesterday that felt much bigger than simply picking up three points

Manchester City had to scrap and dig deep to beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at The City Ground yesterday. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring yesterday in the 48th minute before Omari Hutchinson equalised for Forest six minutes later. Rayan Cherki scored the winner for Pep Guardiola’s side in the 83rd minute of yesterday’s match. The City players and staff celebrated hard at the final whistle after they saw off Sean Dyche’s determined and well-organised team. City picked up a massive three points yesterday but Manchester City’s win over Nottingham Forest felt bigger than that come the final whistle.

Manchester City showed their character to see off Nottingham Forest yesterday.

Nottingham Forest didn’t allow Manchester City to be at their free-flowing best yesterday. Sean Dyche’s side were well-organised defensively and their threat on the counter and in the final third was ever-present throughout yesterday’s match. Pep Guardiola’s side had to fight, scrap, and rely on their mentality to overcome a determined opponent. A magical second-half display from Rayan Cherki did help City pick up a massive win. But the mentality of this Manchester City squad did help them overcome a tough opponent yesterday.

While City picked up a vital three points yesterday to keep in touch with Premier League leaders Arsenal, their win over Nottingham Forest felt bigger than that. It was Manchester City’s eighth consecutive win in all competitions. But the confidence and belief that this City team should gain from yesterday’s win could prove to be invaluable. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Manchester City’s win yesterday could be looked back upon as a pivotal point in Manchester City’s season.

Pep Guardiola was thrilled to see his side pick up a huge win yesterday.

Speaking after his team’s win over Nottingham Forest, Pep Guardiola said that his team’s win over Sean Dyche’s side was a massive victory. He had high praise for Nottingham Forest and the fact that City overcame them meant the win City picked up yesterday was a big one. He explained: “Winter time, Nottingham Forest away… I know the memory is weak, but when we won one of the six Premier Leagues this type of game happens a lot. Three points, but it’s a massive three points, mainly for the quality of the opposition.”

Pep Guardiola also praised his team’s mentality. City weren’t at their best but they found a way to win yesterday. Guardiola added: “We talked about that; we needed an incredible mentality. It’s more important how you suffer and defend, accept you can be better and be in the game, otherwise, no chance will you win, that game last season we lost. Since then, a long time the team want to do it and of course, the last game of the first leg of the season it’s good to finish with this important three points.”

Summary.

Manchester City picked up a massive win yesterday over Nottingham Forest. City’s win felt bigger than simply picking up three valuable points. Yesterday’s result felt like a big moment in Manchester City’s season and the confidence and belief City will take from the match yesterday could prove to be invaluable as this season progresses. This Manchester City side has a strong mentality and that stood out yesterday as they dug deep to beat Sean Dyche’s side. That mentality is the foundation of this City side and it could potentially form the backbone of any success City achieve this season.