Nottingham Forest earn massive 1-0 win over Manchester City: Stats
What's the story
In a thrilling Premier League gameweek 28 encounter at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest pulled off a significant victory, defeating Manchester City 1-0.
The match was defined by Callum Hudson-Odoi's late-game heroics, who scored in the 83rd minute.
This win has major implications for both teams' standings in the Premier League and their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Here's more.
Match summary
Hudson-Odoi's late strike seals victory for Forest
The match started with Manchester City dominating possession, but they struggled to create clear chances.
However, it was Hudson-Odoi's stunning display that tilted the scales in Nottingham Forest's favor.
He brilliantly controlled a cross-field pass from Morgan Gibbs-White before cutting inside to beat City's goalkeeper Ederson at his near post.
The decisive goal came just seven minutes before full-time, sealing the win for Forest.
City's struggle
City's possession dominance fails to convert into goals
Despite dominating possession for the entirety of the match, Manchester City failed to convert their control into clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Their best attempt came in the first half when Nico Gonzalez's powerful shot hit Matz Sels's right-hand post.
This lack of finishing touch proved costly for City as they failed to find the back of the net against a resilient Nottingham Forest defense.
Key player
Hudson-Odoi's impact extends beyond winning goal
Hudson-Odoi's impact on the match went beyond his winning goal.
He was key in almost breaking the deadlock earlier in the second half, with a curling shot saved by Ederson.
But due to a lapse at his near post, Hudson-Odoi managed to score soon after.
This performance not just earned Forest the win but also gave a major boost to their Champions League qualification hopes.
Qualification battle
City's Champions League hopes hang in balance: Points table
With this defeat, Manchester City now face a major challenge to seal a spot for next season's Champions League.
They are currently four points behind Nottingham Forest and could even slip behind Chelsea to the fifth spot if the Blues manage to win against Leicester City on Sunday.
After 28 matches, Forest are third with 51 points (W15 D6 L7).
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's City are 4th with 47 points. This was City's 9th defeat of the campaign.
Information
Here are the match stats
Forest had an expected goals tally of 0.62 to City's 0.89. The hosts managed nine attempts with 4 shots on target. Forest had three shots on target from 14 attempts. City had 25 touches in the opposition box to Forest's 18. City also owned 69% ball possession.
Do you know?
12th clean sheet for Sels in Premier League 2024/25 season
Forest keeper Matz Sels has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season (12). As per Squawka, he needs just one more shutout to equal Mark Crossley's record for the most clean sheets kept in a PL campaign for Nottingham Forest (13 in 1994-95).
Opta stats
Key records made in the match
Nuno Espirito Santo has won four Premier League games against Guardiola. Notably, in the Spaniard's top-flight league career only Jurgen Klopp (5) has more wins against him.
This was Forest's 11th Premier League win this season without conceding a goal.
As mentioned, City suffered their 9th defeat this season in the Premier League. It's their joint-most in a season under Guardiola (also 9).