Manchester City 2 Nottingham Forest 0: City player ratings as City’s title destiny remains in their hands

Here are the City player ratings as Manchester City overcame a determined Nottingham Forest to pick up a crucial 2-nil victory. It wasn’t a vintage performance from the champions as they were made to work by Nuno Espírito Santo’s side to pick up a crucial victory.

Given Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Tottenham before City’s game against Nottingham Forest was a must win for Pep Guardiola’s side. They did suffer a blow pre-game with Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, both not in the City squad due to illness. In the end, Manchester City picked up a precious three points without two key players. Goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland gave the champions a precious three points in this season’s title race and, in the process, keep their title destiny in their hands. The world champions now need 4 wins from their final 4 Premier League games to seal a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Here are the City player ratings from a precious victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City player ratings

Ederson-4/10: Substituted at half-time with a shoulder injury. Ederson looked shaky in the first half before he was substituted.

Kyle Walker-5/10: Walker’s first half was poor, but he was marginally better in the second half. It was not his best day at the office.

Manuel Akanji-7.5/10: Once again was immense at the back. Is beginning to form a good partnership in defence with Nathan Ake.

Nathan Ake-8/10: The Dutch international was superb once again. He made several crucial interceptions and never put a foot wrong.

Josko Gvardiol-7.5/10: Scored City’s opener with a powerful header. Another good performance from the Croatian.

Rodri-7.5/10: Another fine display from City’s midfield general. Dictated midfield and provided a calming presence in the face of Nottingham Forest’s pressure.

Bernardo Silva-6.5/10: Not his most dynamic display, but Bernardo once again did the grunt work for his team. He gave City a more reliable option on the right wing when he was moved at half-time.

Kevin De Bruyne-8/10: Provided two assists and gave City the quality they needed. His all-around performance wasn’t his best, but he had the defining impact on the game.

Jeremy Doku-4/10: Started on the right wing but looked lost in the first half. Gave away possession to easily and looked lost when tracking back.

Jack Grealish-5/10: The England international toiled away, but like many of his teammates, he couldn’t get into the game. Was taken off at the hour mark.

Julian Alvarez-6.5/10: He once again toiled away up front. Alvarez came to life with Haaland’s introduction and looked more lively with support up front.

Substitutes

Stefan Ortega-7/10: Didn’t have a lot to do once he was introduced, but he did providing a calming influence to the City defence.

Mateo Kovacic-7/10: Besides the opening 10 minutes, he provided more control in the heart of midfield. Did exactly what Pep Guardiola brought him on to do.

Erling Haaland-8/10: The champions immediately looked a better team with Haaland’s introduction in the second half. Put away his chance when it presented itself and looks poised for a big final stage of the season.

Matheus Nunes-N/A: Not on long enough to mark.

Oscar Bobb-N/A: Not on long on enough to mark.