Cherki scores but City slump to 3-1 loss at Forest

Under the floodlights of the City Ground, Manchester City faced Nottingham Forest earlier this evening, hoping to secure a valuable away point in the Premier League. The Mancunian side, after a sluggish opening, fell behind within minutes and would later endure a lackluster defeat.

Match timeline and result

Manchester City made a slow start and conceded the opening goal in the sixth minute when Jair Cunha found the back of the net. Liam Delap doubled Nottingham’s advantage in the 18th minute, leaving the visitors 2‑0 down at the break. Rayan Cherki pulled a goal back for City in the 52nd minute, offering a glimmer of hope. Delap struck again for Forest in the 73rd minute, sealing a three‑goal cushion. The match finished with Manchester City suffering a 3‑1 loss at the City Ground.

A photo from the game shows Rayan Cherki of Manchester City under pressure from Jair Cunha of Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 7 November 2026 in Nottingham, England, with Enzo Maresca listed as the City manager.

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Player ratings

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma earned a 6/10, making a few solid saves but ultimately conceding three goals. Right‑back Abdukodir Khusanov was rated 6.5/10, clearing danger when he could yet offering little in the final third. Centre‑back Ruben Dias received a 6/10, putting his foot through the ball when needed but struggling to keep the defence solid. Centre‑back Marc Guehi scored 6.5/10, making an important clearance before being substituted at half‑time. Left‑back Josko Gvardiol was given a 5/10 after a costly error in his own half and was taken off at the interval.

Central midfielder Elliot Anderson earned a 7/10 for being a positive influence at both ends of the pitch. Central midfielder Enzo Fernandez was rated 5.5/10, struggling to protect the backline yet shining at times in the opponent’s half. Right‑winger Iliman Ndiaye received a 7/10, making dangerous runs but failing to convert his chances. Attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki was awarded a 7/10, causing headaches for his marker and scoring in the 73rd minute. Left‑winger Jeremy Doku got a 6/10, making driving runs but not finding the net. Striker Erling Haaland was given a 6.5/10, eager to strike yet failing to score. Right‑back Matheus Nunes earned a 7/10, creating two good chances in the final third. Left‑back Nico O’Reilly received a 6/10, his impact on the game was minimal. Right‑winger Phil Foden was rated 6/10, struggling to get into the flow of the match.