Rodri red-carded as Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest

Manchester City continued their flawless start in the Premier League this season, securing a feisty 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.

Within the opening quarter-hour, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland netted goals that firmly established Pep Guardiola’s team in control, catching Steve Cooper’s side off-guard.

Despite Rodri’s expulsion early in the second half, City managed to maintain their grip on the match.

Haaland was also on the scoresheet as Manchester City made it six wins in six games in the 2023/24 Premier League season. [Photo/Courtesy].

Nottingham Forest had demonstrated their counter-attacking prowess in previous away matches this season, going two goals ahead against Manchester United at Old Trafford and triumphing over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, they faced a formidable challenge against the reigning Premier League champions.

City’s dominance was evident when Rodri delivered a delightful pass behind the defense to Kyle Walker in the seventh minute.

Walker, in turn, unselfishly set up Foden with a cushioned volley, leading to an emphatic finish. This intricate move involved a remarkable 46 passes.

Phil Foden celebrates with Kyle Walker after opening the scores for Manchester City. [Photo/Courtesy].

Matheus Nunes, making his first start in the Premier League for City, played a pivotal role in the second goal.

He cleverly feigned a pass, then sprinted to receive the next ball, delivering a lofted cross to find Haaland’s head.

The Norwegian striker, despite missing a few chances recently, made this one count.

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Despite City’s apparent control, the game took an ill-tempered turn when Rodri inexplicably pushed Morgan Gibbs-White near the neck, leading to a red card.

This incident sparked tension, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Ederson squaring off.

Rodri of Manchester City was given matching orders after he pushed Morgan Gibbs-White near the neck. [Photo/Courtesy]. — Rodri was given matching orders after he pushed Morgan Gibbs-White near the neck. [Photo/Courtesy].

Forest enjoyed more possession as Guardiola shifted to a 5-3-1 formation, fostering a sense of siege mentality among his players.

However, Forest failed to mount a comeback and currently sit in tenth place. This result marks City’s sixth consecutive win of the season.

While Rodri’s red card may not have immediate repercussions, as City continued their march, he is now set to miss the upcoming game against Arsenal next month.

This offers a glimmer of hope to their rivals as City’s dominant form persists.