Manchester City 3-0 Nottingham Forest: De Bruyne Shines as Citizens End Four-Game Premier League Losing Streak

Kevin De Bruyne played a pivotal role in Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, ending their four-game losing streak in the Premier League. The Belgian maestro set up the opening goal and netted the second himself. After the break, Jeremy Doku sealed the win with a third goal, showcasing City's dominance. The result lifts Pep Guardiola's side to fourth in the table, while Forest stay in sixth.

Match Highlights: Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest

Manchester City finally broke their seven-game winless streak with a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad, marking the end of Pep Guardiola’s unprecedented slump. The win lifts City to fourth place in the league, while Forest remain in sixth.

Despite not being at their electrifying best, City struck early when Kevin De Bruyne, making his return, headed the ball across goal for Bernardo Silva to tap in after just 10 minutes.

Josko Gvardiol squandered two clear chances to extend the lead, while Chris Wood missed a prime opportunity to equalize for Forest, failing to capitalize on a loose back pass from City.

Chelsea completely dominated the second half and eventually scored again when Palmer inevitably got his goal, tapping into an empty net after Nkunku’s shot dribbled past Lumley.

Substitute Jadon Sancho added a fifth three minutes from time to complete a comprehensive victory for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Moments after Chris Wood’s missed opportunity, Kevin De Bruyne punished Forest with a trademark strike from inside the box, doubling City’s lead on the half-hour mark and easing the tension at the Etihad.

Forest started the second half brightly, but City weathered the pressure before Jeremy Doku sealed the result with a stunning curling effort in the 57th minute, effectively ending the contest.

As the game progressed, City pushed for a fourth while Forest appeared resigned to their fate. A clean sheet and a commanding victory were exactly what Pep Guardiola needed ahead of their weekend clash with Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Forest will look to regroup as they stay in Manchester to take on United at Old Trafford.

TALKING POINT - Are Man City Still in the Title Race?

Following a challenging run of form and a heavy defeat at Anfield, Manchester City appeared to be losing their grip on the Premier League title race. However, their 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, combined with table-topping Liverpool dropping points, has reignited discussions about City’s title chances.

The gap to Liverpool is now nine points, and while that may seem significant, City’s proven ability to mount comebacks in the second half of the season means they cannot be ruled out. The return to form of Kevin De Bruyne, who can make a transformative impact when fully fit, could be the key factor in their resurgence.

Pep Guardiola’s side still has the potential to fight their way back into contention, but staying consistent and keeping key players like De Bruyne fit will be crucial. If City can maintain their momentum, the title race could become more unpredictable as the season progresses.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – KEVIN DE BRUYNE (MAN CITY) (MAN CITY)

Making his first league start since September, Kevin De Bruyne reminded everyone why he remains one of the Premier League's top stars. He was the driving force in the first half, playing a pivotal role in all of City’s attacking moves. De Bruyne set up the opener with a smart header across goal and scored the second just as Forest was beginning to apply significant pressure.

In the second half, he could have easily added another goal or two if not for some outstanding saves from Matz Sels. More importantly, De Bruyne showcased true leadership, instilling confidence in a City side that had been struggling and guiding them to an essential three points.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

8’ GOAL! – MAN CITY 1-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (SILVA)

City take the lead and breathe a sigh of relief! Ake and Gundogan combine brilliantly down the left, with the German finding space in the box. He delivers a clever dink to the back post, where De Bruyne meets it with a header and directs it across goal for Bernardo Silva, who slots it in for an easy tap-in. This early goal will boost confidence for Pep, his players, and the home crowd.

31’ GOAL! – MAN CITY 2-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (DE BRUYNE)

Just as Forest come close to equalizing, City strike back with a goal at the other end! Doku weaves past Yates and sets up De Bruyne, who has plenty of space in the box. The Belgian takes a touch, turns, and fires into the corner, doubling City’s advantage with a composed finish.

57’ GOAL! – MAN CITY 3-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST (DOKU)

What a goal from Doku – this should seal the win! A swift counter from City finds Doku on the left. The Belgian cuts inside and unleashes a powerful shot that finds the bottom corner, giving City a commanding lead and likely ending their winless streak.

Nuno Espírito Santo speaks after Nottingham Forest's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.