Manchester City ended their recent slump with a resounding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, marking a return to form for the champions. Goals from Bernardo Silva, a revitalized Kevin De Bruyne, and Jérémy Doku secured the victory, breaking a worrying streak of six defeats in seven games across all competitions. With four of those losses in the Premier League, City's title aspirations might already be dashed, but they displayed their familiar dominance against Nuno Espírito Santo's side.
De Bruyne was pivotal, making his first start since September, and with Jack Grealish thriving in a more central role, City immediately took control. Erling Haaland nearly opened the scoring early on, forcing a save from Matz Sels from a De Bruyne cutback. The opener arrived in the eighth minute when Ilkay Gundogan's floated ball was powerfully headed by De Bruyne, with Bernardo Silva getting the final touch.
Josko Gvardiol missed a golden opportunity shortly after, heading wide from Bernardo Silva's cross. Gvardiol, who had been prone to errors, was again at fault when dispossessed by Jota Silva, but goalkeeper Stefan Ortega saved the subsequent shot from Morgan Gibbs-White. Gvardiol later missed another chance, dragging a shot wide after a pass from Haaland.
City survived another scare when De Bruyne's underhit pass was intercepted by Chris Wood, who failed to capitalize. Doku then set up De Bruyne for a crucial second goal, putting City in control. Despite Forest finishing the first half strongly, Doku sealed the victory in the 57th minute, finishing off a pass from Haaland.
De Bruyne narrowly missed another goal with a free-kick, and Elliot Anderson tested Ortega late on, but City held firm, avoiding a repeat of their recent collapse against Feyenoord.
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