Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest: Cityzens Player Ratings as they get back to winning ways | Premier League 2024-25

Manchester City found some of their old mojo back in a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Wednesday, December 4.

Following their difficult 2-0 loss to Liverpool over the weekend, Pep Guardiola made four changes to the side. Kevin De Bruyne and Josko Gvardiol returned to the lineup along with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku while Phil Foden missed out.

Forest, meanwhile, made three changes following their 1-0 win over Ipswich Town. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Neco Williams and Eliot Anderson were replaced by Anthony Elanga, Nicolas Dominguez and Alex Moreno.

Manchester City enjoyed a great start and seemed to show signs of their old form. They took the lead early through Bernardo Silva, as the Portugal international tapped home after being set up by De Bruyne's header.

De Bruyne turned scorer after 31 minutes. Following a good run, Doku found his fellow Belgian who made no mistake with a powerful effort to make it 2-0.

It was more of the same in the second half as the visitors never really got into the game. Doku added a third in the 57th minute following a rapid counter-attack, receiving the ball from Erling Haaland before finishing calmly.

City were comfortable in seeing the rest of the game out. The win means they are back in the top four, cutting the gap to the top to nine points following Liverpool's draw. Here are the player ratings:

Manchester City Player Ratings

Stefan Ortega - 6.5/10

Picked ahead of Ederson again, and he had a solid outing, finishing with three saves and looking comfortable on the ball as well.

Manuel Akanji - 5/10

Akanji's torrid form continues and remains a cause of concern for Manchester City. He has been used in a variety of positions including tonight, playing at right-back, and had a tough time before being taken off in the first half, replaced by Walker.

Ruben Dias - 6.5/10

Apart from an error in the first half allowing Chris Wood through, Dias had a decent performance and was solid at the back.

Nathan Ake - 7/10

Arguably City's best defender on the night, the Dutchman defended well and was an assured presence on the ball, completing 94% of his passes and eight into the final third.

Josko Gvardiol - 6.5/10

Gvardiol had a few nervy moments defensively but continues to be a lively unique threat for Manchester City going forward.

Ilkay Gundogan - 6/10

Performed decently, but the question remains as to whether he is the right player to play the holding role in Rodri's absence.

Bernardo Silva - 7/10

Silva had a good showing down the right flank today as Guardiola named a particularly attacking lineup. He was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring.

Kevin De Bruyne - 8/10

The Belgian is still the heart and soul of Manchester City when they go forward. He was heavily involved in the attack, and apart from a goal and assist, created four chances and had five shots (three on target).

Jack Grealish - 6.5/10

Grealish was used in a slightly more central role, allowing Doku to hug the touchline. He was involved a lot in the build-up.

Jeremy Doku - 7.5/10

An impressive performance from the winger, collecting a goal and assist just like his countryman. He was a lively threat down the left.

Erling Haaland - 6.5/10

He did not score, but his imposing presence caused regular issues for the Forest defenders, especially leading up to Manchester City's third goal.

Substitutes

Kyle Walker - 6/10

Replaced Akanji but still struggled to impress in what has been a difficult campaign.

Rico Lewis - 6.5/10

He came on for the last 15 minutes and helped see the game out.

Savinho, James McAtee and Matheus Nunes - N/A

The trio came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.