Five Things Learned: Manchester City 2-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City dropped further points in the Premier League title race, this time at home against relegation threatened Nottingham Forest.

City’s six-game win streak came to an end thanks to a 2-2 draw at home to Forest – who had lost their previous three matches – leaving seven points behind Arsenal albeit with a game in hand.

City dominated the first 45 minutes, with 69 per cent possession. In fact, Nottingham Forest only hoped for counter-attacks on mistakes made by the home side. This control, however, did not end up in many opportunities.

The opening goal came in the 31st minute from the magical play of Rayan Cherki, who dribbled his way into the box and crossed for an unstoppable Antoine Semenyo to net his seventh goal in sky blue in only 12 appearances for the club. 

Even though the Blues kept hold of the ball, the second half went in favour of the visitors, who scored through two counters, whereas the home side netted once.

After Phil Foden failed to control the ball in front of the Forest penalty box, Vitor Pereira’s men sped up via Ola Aina, who crossed to Igor Jesus. The Brazilian took a small headed touch for Morgan Gibbs-White to score a back-heel attempt through Rúben Dias’ legs in minute 56.

Manchester City replied quickly from a corner, as Rayan Ait-Nouri found Rodri inside the box as the clock hit the 62nd minute mark. The Spaniard used his head to score his first goal this Premier League season and put his team back ahead.

Played by Callum Hudson-Odoi, Elliot Anderson – supposedly a transfer target for the Etihad Stadium – then scored his first goal at the venue with a beautiful effort from distance, making things all square on the 76th spin of the clock.

Pep Guardiola’s men still tried to win the match until the last kick, which did not come to happen as finishing was not on top this evening. The result also points out that City do not rely only on themselves to win the league title, as they now depend on Arsenal dropping points. Both clubs face each other in Manchester next month.

Here are Five Things We Learned from Manchester City’s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Rayan Cherki: The Bernardo Silva successor?

Against Leeds, Rayan Cherki started playing in a ‘Bernardo Silva role’ – and he was outstanding. With Nottingham Forest leaving the ball for City to play while parking the bus in the first half, the Frenchman had freedom to roam and help everywhere to create spaces and overloads.

The No.10 seems to have adapted to controlling the tempo of the play, while still being able to use his creativity to the maximum capacity. Pep Guardiola has a versatile and complete package of a player in his hands.

Besides, what is better than having one Bernardo Silva on the pitch? That’s right, two… Or at least Bernardo Silva himself with Rayan Cherki by his side.

City can score from corners

A day after Pep Guardiola had a long conversation about corners during his press conference duties, Manchester City replied to his wish of scoring more goals from set pieces. This calls out for the answer the club needed to give amid the ‘evolution’ of set pieces in the league.

Despite being one of the clubs with the least amount of goals scored from corners, Rodri jumped high to put the Blues 2-1 ahead in a move that resembled the new trend going around the Premier League.

Still, this is by far a let down in the offensive side of the squad, especially with Josko Gvardiol – arguably the best header in the team – injured until the end of the season.

However, if the team does struggle to score from open play having this different weapon – with Rodri, Ruben Dias and Marc Guéhi inside the area – means there are more options to avoid future slips and secure more wins.

Inconsistency punishes

In build-up, some players misplaced easy passes and failed to control the ball way too often – perhaps a sign of inattention. When facing an opposition that only wants to wait for a mistake in order to act, that makes the own club’s life only harder.

Not being able to put many chances in the back of the net is also troubling. The Citizens had 21 shots during the full 90 minutes, with seven of those coming in the way of the goal. The last piece of play, when Savinho’s shot was saved by Murillo, summed up perfectly the entire match: City were dominant, had a spark, but couldn’t make fire out of it. 

The simplest of errors can cause chaos, as happened with Nottingham Forest’s two goals. If the boys in blues are to really charge for the Premier League title, they need to be fully focused and aware of what is going on around the pitch.

Darren England and Erling Haaland’s penalty shout

Although this should not be used as an excuse for the dropped points, controversial decisions keep coming in for every Premier League club, and Manchester City are no different. Only considering the club, clashes against Newcastle, Manchester United, Wolves and many others were subject to quarrel because of the whistle.

This time, when the game was 2-1 for the hosts, Erling Haaland dribbled past goalkeeper Matz Sels, who clearly hit the striker, bringing him down. Had the foul been given by referee Darren England, the Blues could have had the chance of making it 3-1, therefore all but sealing a win. There was also a high studs challenge from Elliot Anderson on Rodri.

Officiating should not be the point of focus during a competition, especially for a title race. However, the criteria chosen by some referees are different from others, decisions also vary depending on badges. City did not take their actual shots of winning, but what if there was indeed a penalty that could have, and should have, been given? 

Semenyo’s seventh City goal: Stats behind his impact

Antoine Semenyo keeps his goalscoring form, which comes as no surprise at all. The Ghanaian international now has 15 Premier League goals this season – eight for Bournemouth, seven for Manchester City.

The movement he offers also adds up to the quality of the squad in attack, as he can move as a winger on both sides, as well as a No.9 depending on the circumstances that the game asks for. His goalscoring abilities and intelligence are much needed in outings against teams that play with a line of five at the back. 

With his seventh Manchester City goal since arriving at the club, Antoine Semenyo looks indispensable in attack at this point, being vital for securing points in an important run in. Whether on the wing or as a partner for Erling Haaland or Omar Marmoush, he looks clearly an option Pep Guardiola might keep on the XI for the upcoming decisive matches.