Former City striker Liam Delap scored twice as Forest claimed their first home league win of the season, while Jair Cunha also found the net in a memorable performance from Oliver Glasner’s side.
Forest made a perfect start when Cunha opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The defender capitalised on Josko Gvardiol’s mistake, won possession and drove forward before calmly finishing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 18th minute through Delap. Xaver Schlager released the striker, who powered forward before firing past Donnarumma to make it 2-0.
City struggled to match Forest’s intensity but gradually improved as the first half progressed. Enzo Fernández missed a good opportunity with a header, while Erling Haaland rounded goalkeeper Matz Sels but saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Cunha.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca made two changes at half-time, introducing Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly in an attempt to turn the game around.
The visitors responded seven minutes after the restart when Rayan Cherki produced a superb first-time strike in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
City pushed for an equaliser, with Haaland coming close, but Forest remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Ryan Yates also threatened to extend the hosts’ lead when his deflected effort struck the crossbar.
Forest eventually restored their two-goal advantage in the 73rd minute. Morgan Gibbs-White released Delap on a counter-attack, and the forward finished emphatically to complete his brace and seal the victory.
The result ended Forest’s wait for a home league win this season and lifted them out of the relegation zone with nine points.
For Manchester City, the defeat marked their third consecutive Premier League loss after opening the campaign with seven successive victories. They entered the international break six points behind league leaders Arsenal.
City will need to address their defensive errors and lack of intensity as they look to revive their title challenge after a disappointing run of results.
Match details
• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
• Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
• Half-time score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Manchester City
• Full-time score: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Manchester City
Goalscorers
• Nottingham Forest: Jair Cunha 6', Liam Delap 18', 73'
• Manchester City: Rayan Cherki 52'