Pep Guardiola's damning Manchester City admission after Nottingham Forest defeat
Nottingham Forest earned an impressive win against Manchester City and extended their Premier League advantage over the reigning champions thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi's goal
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorPep Guardiola lamented his side's slow play in defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Callum Hudson-Odoi's late strike separated the sides at the City Ground, as he beat Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson at his near post. The ex-Chelsea star's effort ensured Forest opened up a four-point gap to their opponents in the Premier League, as Guardiola's side risk dropping out of the top four this weekend.
City had dominated the chances in the opening half before, Forest offered more attacking intent in the second period. Despite having just 31 per cent possession, Nuno Espirito Santo's team managed to record more shots on target however.
Guardiola was frustrated with his side's slow play, as Forest showed resolute organisation in their backline. Erling Haaland struggled to find opportunities and City could not find a way past Matz Sels, with only three of 14 shots on target.
"Yes it was slow," Guardiola said following the game. "We struggled to break the lines and find spaces."
The ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss had been happy with how his side denied a simple supply to Chris Wood. The Catalan coach could only concede that Forest were clinical when they found a chance however.
"Tight game, we controlled the long balls to [Chris] Wood and second balls in transition," he said. "But in second half we lost once in transition and Callum Hudson-Odoi finished it really well.
"It is not easy to play against them. That is why they are where they are. We had three or four chances in the first half. Second half it was a bit more tight. We concede one chance in the near post, so in the end the balance was for them."
Forest boss Espirito Santo was pleased his team were able to take advantage of the change they mustered. “It was a tough game everybody saw how good Manchester City are," he said.
"They had us on the ropes but the boys worked very hard. Of course they were going to have chances but then it was then about us taking ours.
"It was good today. It started with Anthony [Elanga] and Chris [Wood] trying to cut the lines to give time to the back lines but definitely a very good defensive display. We tried to block and then break through the middle with Anthony.
"The focus does not change. We are on to the next one, Ipswich. It [beating City] shows the progress of the squad but there is so much football to be played. Let’s focus on the journey and move on to the next one."
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