Late Winner, Tight Encounter: City Edge Forest as Guardiola’s System Shines Through
27 December 2025
Match Recap
Dutchman Tijani Reinders, a Manchester City midfielder, spoke about how tough the win over Nottingham Forest was.
City moved to the Premier League summit after a 2-1 win at City Ground on Saturday, in round 18 of the season.
City took the lead through Reinders in the 48th minute, and Omri Hutchinson equalized for Forest in the 54th.
Rayan Sharqi restored City's advantage in the 83rd.
Reinders said to TNT Sports, "We know this place is tough; Nottingham Forest always makes it hard here, and today we earned a hard-fought win".
He added Forest crowded the spaces, making it hard to find freedom between their lines, and second-half changes helped unlock gaps.
On his goal, he said the run and the pass were well-timed and showed why he is adept at finding space.
Guardiola's coaching, he noted, is strict but makes everyone better; after a few months he began to view the game differently and wants to learn more.
City reached 40 points, edging Arsenal by a single point before Arsenal's later match with Brighton, while Forest stayed on 18 in 17th.
Forest pressed City in the second half, narrowing spaces and asking questions City could answer with pace and fluency.
The win reinforces City’s season, and Guardiola’s system continues to demand more while delivering results.
Forest coach praised his side's determination and effort but fell short on the day.
Key Moments
Punchline 1: City found the key here—turns out it was a bit of grit and good timing.
Punchline 2: Guardiola's whistle must be a magic spell—space appears whenever he shouts 'Run!'
