Manchester City fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, in a crucial game in the race for Champions League qualification.
Pep Guardiola's side were made to work hard against a well-drilled Forest side, who eventually managed to break the deadlock and earn all three points.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
City had their chances throughout the game, and actually managed 14 shots, according to Sofascore. However, there were just three on target for the visitors, and the highest expected goals shot came from Phil Foden, a total of 0.16xG.
Forest came close to scoring just past the hour mark. Callum Hudson-Odoi lashed a shot at the City goal, cutting inside onto his right foot. However, Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson pulled out a brilliant save, diving low to his left and tipping the ball onto the post to keep City on level terms.
However, with seven minutes of normal time remaining, it was Hudson-Odoi who did break the deadlock. The former Chelsea attacker got on the end of a lovely ball from Morgan Gibbs-White, before driving at Josko Gvardiol and letting fly. This time, Ederson could not make the save, letting the ball in at the near post.
There was one player on the pitch, Gibbs-White, who was a standout, and City struggled to deal with him.
Gibbs-White’s performance vs. City
When a player like Gibbs-White is on song, it is hard to stop him. Well, City certainly found that out today. He was everywhere, orchestrating attacks for his side and of course, created the chance from which Hudson-Odoi scored from.
Gibbs-White-Forest-Wolves
Talking of the pass, what a ball it was from the Forest captain. He picked up the ball inside his own half, and, under little pressure, was able to pick a perfectly weighted pass that was cushioned and brought down with ease from Hudson-Odoi, who did the rest.
City struggled to keep him quiet for much of the game. Allowing a player of that quality so much time on the ball to pick a pass like that was far from ideal for Guardiola’s side, and arguably cost them the three points.
It was a brilliant performance from Gibbs-White against the reigning Premier League champions. Frustratingly, one of their midfielders struggled to have the same kind of impact on the game.
The City star who struggled vs. Forest
It was a disappointing day for City as a whole, given the result, and one of their players did struggle in the centre of the park. It was a tough day at the office for one of the more experienced City players, Bernardo Silva.
Chalkboard FFC
Chalkboard
The Portugal international was given a 5/10 post-match rating from Simon Bajkowski, the chief Manchester City writer for The Manchester Evening News. He said the midfielder looked 'like he could use a rest', and criticised him for the fact 'City attacks broke down at his feet too many times', which is unlike him.
When comparing the stats of Gibbs-White and Bernardo, there are actually not too many differences. The City number 20 had 56 touches and completed 84% of his passes, whereas the Forest man had 52 touches and completed 90% of his passes. Bernardo created two chances, and the England international one.
Bernardo vs. Gibbs-White key stats
Stat
Touches
Pass accuracy
Passes completed
Key passes
Assists
Stats from Sofascore
However, stats do not always paint the full picture, and ultimately it was Gibbs-White who got the crucial assist. It was certainly a day where Bernardo, who lost the ball nine times, was outclassed by his opposite number.
With a game against Brighton and Hove Albion next up for City next Saturday, perhaps it is a game where Guardiola decides to rotate Bernardo out of the side. He put in a disappointing performance against Forest, and, as Bajkowski suggested, he looked tired.
bernardo-silva-man-city
It will certainly be a big call for the legendary City manager, who has relied on Bernardo so often over the years. However, perhaps some rest and rotation is what is needed to help him find his best form.
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