Nottingham Forest delivered a major blow to Manchester City’s Champions League hopes with a dramatic late goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi, securing a vital 1-0 victory at the City Ground. The result strengthened Forest’s grip on third place, putting them four points ahead of City as their remarkable season continued.
Despite their dominance in recent years, City have struggled against top-four opponents, managing only one point from their last eight encounters with teams in those positions. Forest, who recently held Arsenal to a goalless draw, showcased their resilience again by extending their unbeaten home run to eight matches. Having lost only twice at home all season, their place among the league’s elite seems well-earned.
The decisive moment arrived seven minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White delivered a stunning cross-field pass to Hudson-Odoi. Positioned on the left wing, the attacker controlled the ball on the bounce and drove towards goal, cutting inside before slotting a precise shot past Ederson at the near post. The stadium erupted as Forest moved closer to securing European football for next season.
City, in contrast, continued to falter. Pep Guardiola’s side have endured five defeats in their last nine league games, and should Chelsea beat Leicester on Sunday, they would slip to fifth place in the standings. Guardiola, visibly frustrated, had considered introducing Jack Grealish late in the game but ultimately opted against it.
Forest began the match with the same lineup that earned a point against Arsenal. Adopting a defensive approach, they set up in a low block, with Gibbs-White operating in a deeper midfield role rather than his usual attacking position. Chris Wood, the lone striker, was forced to drop back early in the game, leading to a rare opportunity for Erling Haaland, who narrowly missed the target with a right-footed effort.
The first half remained tight, with City dominating possession but struggling to break through Forest’s compact defense. A moment of unity came in the third minute as fans from both teams chanted in support of former Forest and City player Stuart Pearce, who is recovering after a medical emergency. Just before the break, Wood had a chance at the other end, attempting a long-range lob over Ederson, but the goalkeeper made a comfortable save. The home crowd, energized by their team’s defensive resilience, applauded the effort as they dreamed of European qualification.
With five English teams likely to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Forest’s ambitions now extend beyond the Europa League or the Conference League. Their second-half performance showed why they belong in the conversation for Europe’s elite competition.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s team came alive after the interval, nearly breaking the deadlock when Nicolás Domínguez connected with a volley from an acute angle following Anthony Elanga’s cross. Ederson was equal to the effort, but moments later, the goalkeeper had to produce an even better save to push Hudson-Odoi’s shot onto the post.
Guardiola’s frustration was evident as Forest continued to push forward. Hudson-Odoi, full of confidence, raced down the left flank, cut inside, and forced Ederson into action once more. When his moment finally arrived in the 83rd minute, there was no stopping him. His composed finish sent the City Ground into raptures and left City reeling.
The result not only bolstered Forest’s Champions League aspirations but also added to City’s growing concerns. Their title defense is all but over, and their immediate focus must now shift to ensuring they do not miss out on Europe’s top competition altogether.
