Whisper it quietly but Nottingham Forest aren’t going away and with 10 games to play, the Champions League is very much on the table for the Reds.
Nuno Espirito Santo masterminded an epic victory over Manchester City on Saturday as Callum Hudson-Odoi settled a very cagey tie between two teams in similar positions in the Premier League.
Forest moved four clear of City and remain in third place ahead of today’s games. The Reds go to Ipswich Town next week and a win there would set Forest up really nicely going forward.
Ola Aina was praised by Robbie Earle for his efforts during the clash but this wasn’t really a game for picking out top performers, with all of the players doing remarkably well throughout.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
What Pep Guardiola did just before Nottingham Forest goal vs Manchester City
The warning scenes weren’t adhered to by a shellshocked City defence. Ederson had been forced into a brilliant save from Hudson-Odoi with 20 minutes remaining and in the 83rd minute, the Forest winger struck gold.
It was the part of Gibbs-White in the goal that led to a moment of shock from Guardiola. As the England international set Hudson-Odoi on his way down the left, the manager was spotted dropping to his knees in resignation with the footage picked up by Match of the Day.
The head coach knew what was coming and he was then forced to watch on as Hudson-Odoi fired Forest to a stunning victory and their first over City since returning to the Premier League.
Guardiola always wears his heart on his sleeve and this was a brilliant moment. Hudson-Odoi silenced the City faithful during the clash and Thomas Tuchel might be very intrigued to see his form of late.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi stats vs Manchester City
This was vintage Hudson-Odoi. Ironically, he scored when he was operating on the side of the pitch that he’s not usually at his best, but he will take it nonetheless.
The player has definitely given the new England boss food for thought. In beating City, Forest are firmly on course for the Champions League and that would represent remarkable progress.
Hudson-Odoi only cost Forest £3 million. He was struggling at Chelsea when he got picked up and after a poor season with Bayer Leverkusen he has really hit his best form at Forest.
The challenge for Hudson-Odoi has been staying fit and staying consistent. Right now, he’s in the form of his life and long may that continue at Forest.