Nottingham Forest 3-1 Man City was one of the most surprising results of the Premier League weekend, as Liam Delap scored twice against his former club to inspire a remarkable victory at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
Forest entered the match searching for their first home league victory of the season, having struggled to score in front of their supporters.
However, Oliver Glasner’s side delivered an energetic performance that exposed Manchester City’s defensive weaknesses and secured three valuable points.
Jair Cunha opened the scoring after just six minutes before Delap doubled Forest’s advantage in the 18th minute.
Rayan Cherki pulled a goal back for Manchester City shortly after half-time, but Delap struck again in the 73rd minute to seal the result.
The victory lifted Nottingham Forest out of the relegation zone, while Manchester City suffered their third consecutive Premier League defeat.
Nottingham Forest 3-1 Man City: Match Highlights
The match began at a remarkable pace, with Nottingham Forest pressing Manchester City high up the pitch.
Forest’s determination quickly produced a breakthrough.
In the sixth minute, defender Jair Cunha dispossessed Josko Gvardiol and advanced into the penalty area.
The Brazilian kept his composure and finished past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the home side an early lead.
The goal was particularly important because Forest had failed to score in their previous four home league matches.
It also gave the City Ground crowd something to celebrate after months of frustration.
Manchester City attempted to regain control, but Forest continued to threaten whenever they recovered possession.
Their second goal arrived just 12 minutes later.
Liam Delap Scores Twice Against Former Club
Liam Delap was the standout performer in Nottingham Forest’s victory.
The striker, who previously played for Manchester City, demonstrated his pace, strength and finishing ability throughout the match.
His first goal came in the 18th minute.
Midfielder Xaver Schlager won possession and released Delap into space behind the City defence.
The forward accelerated towards goal and struck a powerful shot past Donnarumma.
Forest suddenly held a 2-0 lead against a team that had begun the season with seven consecutive league victories.
Delap’s movement continued to trouble City’s defenders.
Even when Manchester City dominated possession, the striker remained a constant threat on the counter-attack.
His second goal arrived in the 73rd minute.
Morgan Gibbs-White played him through on the left, and Delap advanced into the penalty area before firing an angled shot into the top corner.
The finish restored Forest’s two-goal advantage and effectively ended Manchester City’s hopes of a comeback.
For Delap, scoring twice against his former club made the occasion particularly memorable.
Jair Cunha Ends Nottingham Forest’s Home Goal Drought
Before Saturday’s match, Nottingham Forest supporters had endured a difficult start to the season at the City Ground.
The team had not scored a home Premier League goal during the 2026/27 campaign.
That unwanted run ended after just six minutes against Manchester City.
Cunha’s opening goal came from an aggressive press that forced an error in City’s defensive third.
Rather than retreating after winning possession, the defender drove forward and finished confidently.
The goal immediately changed the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Forest’s players appeared more confident, and the supporters responded with renewed energy.
Cunha also made an important defensive contribution later in the first half.
Erling Haaland rounded goalkeeper Matz Sels and appeared ready to score, but Cunha recovered to clear the ball from near the goal line.
His performance at both ends of the pitch played a major role in Forest’s victory.
Rayan Cherki Gives Manchester City Hope
Manchester City improved after the interval.
Enzo Maresca’s side increased their attacking pressure and began creating opportunities around the Forest penalty area.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute.
Rayan Cherki produced a superb first-time strike that flew into the top-left corner of the net.
The goal reduced the deficit to 2-1 and temporarily shifted momentum in favour of the visitors.
City continued to attack, with Haaland looking for opportunities to equalise.
However, Forest remained organised and defended with determination.
Despite enjoying significantly more possession, Manchester City struggled to convert their territorial advantage into goals.
The visitors were also vulnerable whenever Forest launched quick counterattacks.
That weakness eventually proved decisive when Delap scored his second goal.
Manchester City Dominate Possession but Lose 3-1
One of the most striking aspects of the match was the difference between possession and the final score.
Manchester City controlled much of the ball, finishing with 78% possession.
Forest had only 22%, yet their attacking play was more effective.
The hosts created opportunities through pressing, direct passing and rapid counter-attacks.
Manchester City attempted more passes and spent longer periods in possession, but Forest made better use of their chances.
The visitors also missed several important opportunities.
Haaland was denied by Cunha’s defensive intervention, while Enzo Fernández failed to convert a promising headed chance.
The city’s inability to take those opportunities proved costly.
Forest, by contrast, produced three excellent finishes and defended their lead effectively.
Nottingham Forest vs Man City Match Statistics
The match statistics highlight how Forest achieved victory despite spending much of the game without possession.
| Statistic | Nottingham Forest | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 22% | 78% |
| Total shots | 11 | 12 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.00 | 1.59 |
| Corners | 3 | 7 |
| Passing accuracy | 67% | 88.3% |
| Yellow cards | 4 | 0 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
Manchester City recorded a higher expected-goals figure, suggesting that their chances were collectively more promising before finishing quality was considered.
However, Forest’s clinical finishing and strong defensive moments ensured they took all three points.
The result demonstrates that controlling possession does not guarantee victory.
Oliver Glasner Celebrates Important Nottingham Forest Victory
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner had been under pressure following the team’s difficult start to the campaign.
Forest had struggled to turn performances into results, particularly at home.
However, Saturday’s victory provided a major boost.
Glasner’s tactical approach focused on pressing Manchester City aggressively and exploiting the spaces behind their defensive line.
The plan worked almost immediately.
Forest scored twice in the opening 18 minutes and continued to threaten on the break throughout the match.
Glasner’s celebrations following Delap’s second goal reflected the importance of the result.
The manager ran down the touchline as the City Ground erupted.
The victory also rewarded the determination of Forest’s players, who continued to work hard despite long periods without possession.
Ryan Yates Makes Important Return
Ryan Yates was another influential performer for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder made his first start of the Premier League season and provided energy and organisation in the middle of the pitch.
His work rate was particularly valuable when Manchester City attempted to control the game.
Yates helped protect the Forest defence and supported the team’s pressing.
He also came close to scoring during the second half.
His deflected effort struck the crossbar in the 67th minute, briefly threatening to extend Forest’s lead.
Although he did not score, his contribution helped the home side maintain their advantage.
His performance provided another positive development for Glasner ahead of the international break.
Manchester City Suffer Third Consecutive Premier League Defeat
The defeat raised further questions about Manchester City’s recent league form.
After winning their opening seven Premier League matches, City have now lost three league fixtures in a row.
Their latest defeat followed losses against Aston Villa and Brighton.
Despite their strong start to the season, the recent results have damaged their position in the title race.
City remain six points behind league leaders Arsenal.
The manner of the defeat will be particularly concerning for Maresca.
Manchester City conceded two early goals and struggled to deal with Forest’s pace in transition.
Although they controlled possession and created opportunities, they repeatedly tested their defensive organisation.
The international break will provide an opportunity to assess those problems before league action resumes.
What Does the Result Mean for the Premier League Table?
The victory was especially important for Nottingham Forest.
Glasner’s side moved out of the relegation zone and climbed to 16th place.
Forest now have nine points from their opening ten Premier League matches.
Although they remain close to the bottom of the table, the result provides encouragement ahead of their next fixtures.
For Manchester City, this defeat is a setback in the title race.
Arsenal remain six points ahead after securing their victory against Hull City.
With the season still in its early stages, Manchester City have time to recover.
However, three consecutive league defeats underline the importance of improving their performances.
What Went Wrong for Manchester City?
Several factors influenced Manchester City’s defeat.
Their defensive errors were particularly costly.
Cunha’s opening goal came after Forest successfully pressed Gvardiol into losing possession.
Delap’s first goal also exposed City’s vulnerability when opponents recovered the ball in midfield.
The visitors struggled to deal with the striker’s pace and direct running.
The city’s finishing was another problem.
Despite creating several opportunities, they scored only once.
Haaland was unable to convert his chances, while Forest goalkeeper Sels and the home defence made important interventions.
Manchester City also struggled to maintain defensive balance when committing players forward.
That became especially apparent during the move leading to Delap’s second goal.
What Next for Nottingham Forest and Manchester City?
Nottingham Forest head into the international break with renewed confidence.
Their first home league victory of the season provides a foundation for further improvement.
The performance also demonstrated the attacking potential of Delap and the value of Glasner’s pressing approach.
Forest will hope to build on the result when domestic football resumes.
Manchester City, meanwhile, face an important period of reflection.
Maresca must address the defensive mistakes that have contributed to three consecutive Premier League defeats.
The city will also need to be more efficient in front of goal if they are to close the gap to Arsenal.
The international break offers both teams an opportunity to prepare for the next stage of the campaign.
Conclusion
The Nottingham Forest 3-1 Man City result delivered one of the most memorable Premier League performances of the weekend.
Liam Delap scored twice against his former club, while Jair Cunha opened the scoring and produced a vital defensive clearance.
Rayan Cherki briefly revived Manchester City’s hopes, but Forest’s determination and clinical finishing proved decisive.
The victory ended Forest’s long wait for a home league win and lifted them out of the relegation zone.
For Manchester City, the defeat extended their losing run to three Premier League matches and left them six points behind Arsenal.
The result was a reminder that organisation, intensity and effective finishing can overcome even the strongest possession-based teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City on 7 November 2026?
Nottingham Forest won 3-1 at the City Ground.
Who scored for Nottingham Forest?
Jair Cunha scored once, while Liam Delap scored twice.
Who scored Manchester City’s goal?
Rayan Cherki scored in the 52nd minute.
How many goals did Liam Delap score?
Delap scored two goals in the 18th and 73rd minutes.
Who is Nottingham Forest’s manager?
Oliver Glasner.
Who is Manchester City’s manager?
Enzo Maresca.
How much possession did Manchester City have?
Manchester City recorded 78% possession, compared with Forest’s 22%.
Where are Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table now?
Forest moved to 16th place following the victory.
How far behind Arsenal are Manchester City?
Manchester City are six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal following the defeat.
