Hudson-Odoi’s Late Goal Secures Stunning Win for Forest Against Man City, Solidifying Top Four Spot

Nottingham Forest claimed a dramatic victory as Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 defeat in the Premier League (PL) at the City Ground.

With their sights set on a UEFA Champions League position, Forest have had an impressive season, thriving despite holding the league’s lowest average possession, and they entered the match one point ahead of City.

Pep Guardiola’s side consistently topped the possession statistics, but struggled to assert themselves in the attacking third, often failing to really test the home side’s defence.

An early attempt from Erling Haaland was deflected wide, just before Nico González sent a powerful strike from distance that ricocheted off the outside of the near post.

These opportunities were the closest either team came to scoring in the first half, with Forest displaying some promising moments that ultimately fizzled out.

Holding firm as the only PL home team not to be trailing at half-time this season, Forest showcased their discipline after the break.

The rhythm of the game remained unchanged until the hosts, boosted by a surge of momentum, saw Hudson-Odoi fashion a brilliant chance in the 67th minute, thwarted only by Ederson’s swift reflexes and the inside of the post.

In need of a spark, Guardiola turned to his bench, bringing on Kevin De Bruyne and Omar Marmoush; however, neither could significantly challenge Matz Sels as the clock wound down.

As the match seemed destined for a stalemate, a superbly weighted pass from Morgan Gibbs-White sliced through the City defence, affording Hudson-Odoi the room to surge towards goal, where he adjusted his path and found the net past Ederson at the near post.

City had little time to rally, and despite a fierce volley from Mateo Kovačić that came dangerously close, they ultimately could not penetrate a resolute Forest defence.

This victory marked Forest’s first league win over City since December 1997 (D2, L7), keeping Nuno Espírito Santo’s men in third place, as they maintain their position in the top four throughout 2025.

Meanwhile, a Chelsea win over Leicester City on Sunday would see City drop out of the automatic Champions League qualification spots.

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