Rayan Cherki picked a good time to end his Premier League drought, with a late goal to give Manchester City a crucial 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.
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The France international had failed to find the back of the net in a league match since the start of the season, but his 83rd-minute goal ensured Josep Guardiola’s side recorded a sixth consecutive win.
Omari Hutchinson’s strike canceled out Tijani Lijnder’s opener for City, and it looked like a brave Forest were going to hang on and grab a point.
After the match, Guardiola was asked about the transfer of Antoine Semenyo, and he shyly answered with only two words.
Semenyo has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 17 appearances in the Premier League this season and is subject to a £65m release clause, which will take effect in January.
Manager David Ornstein admitted City are in pole position after the player rejected a move to Tottenham.
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The manner in which City achieved further victory was an ominous sign for their title rivals.
Forest had some good moments in the first half, with Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross in the seventh minute almost heading home, but neither Igor Jesus nor Morgan Gibbs-White could connect.
The hosts defended well and repelled all of City’s attacks. However, within three minutes of the restart, the visitors had their first shot on target and things changed.
In a move that worked well, Cherki slipped in to Lijnders and fired a low first goal under Forest goalkeeper John Victor.
Immediately after the Brazilian hit Cherki’s shot against the post, John had to make a great save to maintain a 1-0 lead.
It was a completely different game and Forest hit back in the 54th minute.
Gibbs-White launched a counter-attack, Jesus pulled the ball back and Hutchinson drilled home from 12 yards.
This allowed Forest to regain control and attack further, with a big chance coming in the 66th minute.
Neco Williams’ shot was deflected by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and right-back Nicola Savona curled the rebound from an acute angle over the goal.
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The tide started to turn as City looked for their second goal and they had great chances.
After some slick passing, Phil Foden’s footwork created a shot chance and the net looked certain to go up until John stuck his foot out to make a crucial save.
In the 83rd minute, when the winner seemed inevitable, a corner kick fell to Cerki 12 yards out, who fired a low finish that John was unable to save.
