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Manchester City extended their lead to five points at the summit of the Premier League, even after Rodri’s dismissal in a heated 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Phil Foden and Erling Haaland found the net within the opening 15 minutes as Manchester City extended their flawless start in the Premier League to six games.
Pep Guardiola’s squad has now secured victory in 20 consecutive home matches across all competitions. However, their triumph was hard-fought, marred by a moment of recklessness from Rodri.
The Spaniard controversially grabbed Morgan Gibbs-White by the neck less than 60 seconds into the second half, and he may face a costly suspension. A three-game ban would force him to miss City’s upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal next month.
“An exceptional performance in the first half and an equally exceptional display of resilience and hard work in the second,” commented Guardiola. “We played with ten men for 52 minutes, which was not an easy task, but we were outstanding.”
“Hopefully, Rodri will learn to better control his emotions.”
“City displayed their ruthless prowess early in the match, seemingly putting the game to bed.”
“Foden executed a splendid volley, connecting with Kyle Walker’s delicately cushioned cross to break the deadlock.”
Guardiola expressed concern after losing Bernardo Silva to injury in a 3-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade, citing a slew of injuries as the source of his team’s predicament.
Both Mateo Kovacic and John Stones remained sidelined, with Jack Grealish only fit enough for a spot on the bench. Nevertheless, these absences provided Matheus Nunes with an opportunity to make his inaugural league start since his transfer from Wolves. He made a significant contribution by orchestrating the setup for the second goal.
The Portuguese midfielder engaged in a seamless one-two with Foden before delicately chipping the ball across the field for Haaland to drive it home, marking his ninth goal of the season.
City had an opportunity to increase their lead when Julian Alvarez’s close-range effort was blocked, narrowly missing the target. However, the reigning European champions appeared untroubled until Rodri’s temper flared.
Taiwo Awoniyi had Forest’s best chance to stage a comeback when, under pressure from Ederson, the in-form Nigerian lifted the ball over the bar. An intense confrontation between Awoniyi and the Brazilian goalkeeper followed, and both were fortunate to escape disciplinary action.
In an effort to withstand the visitors’ aerial assault, Guardiola made a tactical adjustment, transitioning to a back five to restore order for City.
Haaland had a golden opportunity to secure his second goal late in the match but unfortunately, he miscued his shot and sent it over the bar, squandering a clear chance.
