Nottm Forest 3-1 Man City Player Ratings: Delap 8.8/10 as Tricky Trees Punish Citizens’ Sloppy Defence

Quick Summary Table

Nottingham Forest had not scored a home league goal all season, then needed six minutes to fix that and 18 to lead Manchester City 2-0. Liam Delap added a left-footed counter-attack finish in the 73rd minute after Rayan Cherki pulled one back, sealing Forest’s first home league win of the season. We came into this one expecting Manchester City to control everything, but instead watched a ruthless Nottingham Forest counter-attacking display rip them apart. At Premier League level, you rarely see City this exposed, yet Forest’s direct breaks and relentless pressing turned the clash at The City Ground into a statement win.

The 3-1 scoreline felt absolutely fair when we replayed the game in our minds. Forest repeatedly attacked the space behind City’s high back line, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Xaver Schlager threading passes into channels that Delap devoured. City had possession, territory, and plenty of corners, but we noticed their attacks lacked sharpness and conviction, especially from the flanks. Even when Rayan Cherki pulled one back, Nottingham Forest never seemed to lose belief or defensive structure.

What stood out to us was the contrast in body language: Forest players looked hungry, celebrating every clearance, every press, every fast break, while several City stars looked frustrated and strangely flat. As someone who has watched countless big‑club away days, this felt like a classic upset where one side’s intensity overwhelmed superior technical quality. In our Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City player ratings below, we dive into each performance, highlighting why Liam Delap was clearly the highest‑rated player on the pitch. Check out the Nottm Forest vs Man City player ratings.

Man City Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest

Here are the Man City player ratings from the Nottm Forest vs Man City player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma - 5.5: Donnarumma produced a couple of solid saves, including one from Jair Cunha’s early header, but from our perspective he never truly imposed himself. His distribution was neat and safe with 93% accuracy, yet City needed more risk to launch counters. We noticed him rooted on Delap’s second goal, reacting late as the shot flew past. Conceding three in a game where Forest had limited sustained pressure drags his rating down. He was not disastrous, just far from commanding, and that matters at this level.

Defenders

Rúben Dias - 5.5: As captain we expected Dias to steady the ship, but he struggled against Delap’s movement. His passing numbers were huge, yet much of it felt sterile recycling rather than incisive progression. We noticed several moments where he hesitated to step into midfield, leaving space for Forest’s runners. Conceding three, with the back line repeatedly carved open on counters, reflects poorly on his defensive leadership. One or two decent duels won do not outweigh the lack of control and authority.

Marc Guéhi - 6: Guéhi started reasonably well, even creating a good chance for Enzo Fernández with a fine cross. Defensively though he was part of a unit that never looked comfortable against transitions. We noticed him winning a few aerials and keeping possession tidy, but his positioning on counters felt reactive rather than proactive. Being withdrawn at half-time suggested the manager was unhappy with the balance. Overall, a mixed display with some positive moments but not enough defensive impact.

Josko Gvardiol - 4.5: Gvardiol’s night was one of the most disappointing from our perspective. He looked shaky in possession, misplacing several passes and inviting pressure. Crucially, the error leading to a goal epitomised his struggles, completely undermining his otherwise aggressive dueling numbers. We saw his confidence dip after that mistake, with body language turning hesitant and conservative. Taken off at the break, it felt like a mercy substitution in a rough outing.

Abdukodir Khusanov - 6: Khusanov actually had some quietly decent phases, particularly with his passing into the final third. He contributed a nice assist-like ball for Haaland’s blocked effort and rarely panicked under pressure. Defensively though he was part of the wider structural problem; Forest kept finding space around and behind him. We noticed him battling gamely in duels, but his impact wasn’t enough to plug the gaps. A respectable, if unspectacular, performance in a chaotic defensive unit.

Midfielders

Elliot Anderson - 7: Anderson was one of City’s better performers in our eyes. He saw a lot of the ball, showed energy and bravery, and kept trying to drive the team forward. His shot that forced a strong save from Matz Sels was a key moment that hinted at a possible comeback. We noticed his willingness to drop deep and help build play, even while teammates looked static. Yes, he committed a few fouls and lost possession, but that came from pushing the tempo. Overall, he deserved credit for his work rate and intent.

Iliman Ndiaye - 6.5: Ndiaye’s numbers show neat passing and intelligent ball circulation, and that matched what we saw. He linked play, pressed diligently, and even set up Doku’s early blocked chance. However, we felt he lacked a decisive final ball when City really needed incision. His dribbles were tidy rather than explosive, and Forest usually recovered quickly. A solid but slightly safe display, overshadowed by Forest’s more direct midfielders.

Rayan Cherki - 7.5: Cherki was comfortably City’s standout outfield player for us. His goal at 2-0 down, a precise left-footed finish into the top corner, briefly shifted the momentum and showcased real technical class. Even beyond the strike he looked inventive, slipping key passes and making Forest backtrack. We noticed him constantly demanding the ball, showing that bit of arrogance top creators need. The downside was some wasteful turnovers, yet his positive impact outweighed the errors. On City’s side, he was arguably the highest-rated player.

Jérémy Doku - 5.5: Doku’s game frustrated us enormously. He saw plenty of possession and attempted many dribbles, but Forest defenders read his moves well. That huge possession lost figure matched the feeling that attacks often died at his feet. His early shot was blocked and thereafter he rarely created real danger. We noticed his shoulders drop as the game wore on, confidence visibly ebbing. On another day he beats players and changes the match, but not this time.

Enzo Fernández - 5.5: Enzo’s outing was messy and inconsistent. He sprayed passes nicely at times and created a big chance for Haaland, yet the error leading to a shot and some slack defensive moments lingered in our memory. We saw him lose the ball in risky areas, inviting counters Forest eagerly exploited. His set-piece delivery produced half-chances but nothing truly clear. Subbed late on, he looked frustrated with his own performance. Overall, below the level we usually expect from him.

Forwards

Erling Haaland - 6: Haaland had enough chances to alter the story but never found the finishing touch. Two efforts on target, plus the big late miss that skimmed past the top corner, summed up the night. We noticed his runs remained sharp, yet City’s crossing lacked perfect timing. Forest’s centre-backs bullied him physically, winning aerials and crowding his first touches. His link play was tidy but not transformative. Not terrible, just strangely muted for such a prolific striker.

Substitutes

Nico O'Reilly - 6: Coming on at half-time he immediately got into a great position, only to head wide from close range. That miss felt huge because at 2-1 it might have tilted the match. Beyond that moment he offered energy and vertical runs but limited influence on the ball. We noticed him trying to press aggressively, occasionally forcing hurried clearances. Overall, he showed promise but lacked composure in the key chance.

Matheus Nunes - 6.5: Nunes injected some urgency after the break, delivering the cross for Haaland’s near-miss. His willingness to carry the ball through midfield did trouble Forest briefly. However, we felt he still struggled to consistently break their aggressive lines. His defensive contribution remained light, leaving transitions just as dangerous. A decent cameo, but not enough to rescue City.

Phil Foden - 6: Foden’s late introduction brought a bit of creativity, and his shot from distance was blocked. We expected his fresh legs to really unsettle Forest but they held firm. He drifted into pockets, received the ball, yet rarely found telling passes. Defensively he worked, though the game state already favoured Forest’s counters. A relatively quiet appearance for a player of his usual influence.

Manager

E. Maresca - 5.5: From our perspective Maresca misjudged Forest’s threat on the counter from the start. City’s back line was left exposed repeatedly, and the adjustment only came at half-time, by which point they were two goals down. His substitutions did improve tempo but not structure; the space in transition remained. We noticed limited variation in attacking patterns, with too many hopeful crosses instead of crafted combinations. In a tactical battle, he was outmanoeuvred by his opposite number.

Nottm Forest Player Ratings vs Manchester City

Have a look at the Nottm Forest player ratings from the Nottm Forest vs Man City player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Matz Sels - 6.5: Sels produced a quietly important display. His saves from Haaland and Anderson in the first half kept Forest’s early lead intact. We noticed his kicking was erratic, often conceding possession, but his shot-stopping outweighed that flaw. On crosses he punched decisively and commanded his area with confidence. Conceding once felt acceptable given the volume of City pressure. Overall, a solid performance under heavy stress.

Defenders

Murillo - 7: Murillo mixed rugged defending with surprising attacking ambition. His long-range effort and creativity on set pieces showed confidence. Defensively he racked up clearances and blocks, repeatedly repelling City’s crosses. We noticed him committing a few fouls, yet they were usually smart ones breaking rhythm. His passing from deep was effective enough to launch transitions. A strong, combative display that embodied Forest’s resilience.

Jair Cunha - 8: Cunha set the tone early with a powerful header and then the crucial opener. That left-footed finish into the bottom corner was pure composure, especially so early in the match. Beyond the goal he defended stoutly, winning aerials and throwing himself into blocks. We noticed how his confidence soared after scoring; every clearance looked purposeful, every duel more aggressive. He also threatened with additional shots, keeping City nervous on set pieces. In our view he was one of the highest-rated players on the pitch.

Ryan Yates - 6.5: As captain Yates brought leadership and grit in midfield and defensive areas. His clearances under pressure were huge in the second half when City ramped up crossing. We noticed his shot that hit the woodwork, which nearly killed the game off earlier. Defensively he won important duels and kept shape disciplined. Tidy passing helped Forest escape pressure. Subbed late, he left having done his job well.

Nikola Milenković - 6.5: Milenković defended with heart, even if he conceded several corners. His blocks and clearances were vital, especially against Haaland’s presence. We noticed his occasional offside adventures on set pieces, which amused us slightly. Still, his aerial work and positioning were mostly solid. Passing remained basic but effective for a low-possession game. A dependable part of a back line that collectively overperformed.

Midfielders

Neco Williams - 6: Williams had a busy afternoon, combining defensive graft with occasional forward runs. He conceded some fouls and struggled in a few duels, but his work rate impressed us. We saw him track runners diligently, even when City overloaded his side. On the ball he kept things simple, rarely overcomplicating possession. Not spectacular, yet important in maintaining Forest’s compact shape.

Xaver Schlager - 7: Schlager’s assist for Delap’s first goal was a standout moment, perfectly timed on the break. His aggression in midfield helped Forest disrupt City’s rhythm repeatedly. We noticed his tackling and ball recoveries, often turning loose balls into counters. He did lose a few duels but never shied away from challenges. With and without the ball he embodied Forest’s direct, purposeful approach. A key cog in the upset.

Daniel Muñoz - 7: Muñoz impressed us before going off, especially with his early involvement. He created Cunha’s first big chance and constantly attacked down the right. Defensively his tackling numbers were excellent, repeatedly halting City’s wide play. Despite losing a couple of aerials, his aggression set the tone. Subbed to manage fatigue, but he laid crucial groundwork for the win.

Forwards

Morgan Gibbs-White - 7.5: Gibbs-White was Forest’s creative heartbeat throughout. His movement between lines constantly troubled City’s midfield. We noticed his clever passes on fast breaks, including the assist for Delap’s second goal. He also created chances for McAtee and Delap, showing sharp vision. While he lost possession often, that came from trying ambitious plays. Overall, a high-impact performance that justified a strong rating.

Liam Delap - 8.8: For us, Delap was unequivocally the man of the match and highest-rated player. His first goal, rifled into the high center, came from classic striker movement and killer finishing. The second, curled into the top right from the left side, was even better and felt like a star-making moment. We noticed his relentless pressing, harassing Dias and Gvardiol into rushed decisions. Yes, his passing was scrappy and he lost many duels, but his goals defined the game. In big matches, decisive strikers deserve big ratings, and he earned it.

James McAtee - 6: McAtee had a mixed evening. He found promising positions, including one big chance he blasted high and wide, which frustrated us. His work rate and pressing were good, forcing City backwards at times. However, the yellow card for a reckless foul showed his inexperience. On the ball he lacked the final product to match Gibbs-White’s influence. Subbed off, his contribution was honest but uneven.

Substitutes

Luca Netz - 6: Netz came on for Muñoz and focused mainly on defensive stability. We noticed him stay relatively deep, resisting the urge to bomb forward. His positioning helped protect the flank as City chased the game. On the ball, he kept things simple, prioritising safety over risk. A sensible, low-key cameo that supported the overall game plan.

Dan Ndoye - 6: Ndoye’s introduction added fresh legs on the wing. He committed a clumsy foul that drew a yellow card, which clearly annoyed his teammates. Still, he helped stretch play and offered an outlet on counters. Defensively, he tracked runners and applied pressure high up. A lively but slightly reckless contribution.

Ibrahim Sangaré - 6.5: Sangaré’s late cameo was all about protecting the lead. We noticed immediate robustness in duels; he challenged aggressively and disrupted City’s rhythm. His passing was simple but effective, recycling possession calmly. Positionally, he filled spaces Yates vacated, helping seal central areas. A strong, professional closing act.

Manager

O. Glasner - 8: Glasner masterminded this win with a clear, ruthless game plan. Forest sat compact, then exploded into counters whenever they won the ball, targeting City’s exposed channels. We noticed how his side consistently attacked the spaces behind the full-backs, a deliberate tactic. Substitutions were timely, adding energy without disrupting structure. From our perspective he simply outcoached Maresca, reading the match flow better and trusting his runners.

Nottingham Forest vs Man City Man of the Match: Liam Delap (8.8/10)

Liam Delap earned Man of the Match with an 8.8 rating. He marauded forward from the centre of the pitch after Schlager won the ball, then rifled into the top left on 18 minutes for 2-0. On 73 minutes he took Gibbs-White’s pass in his stride and lashed a left-footed shot into the top-right corner for 3-1, a goal that came from a 0.07 xG chance.

Worst Player in Nottingham Forest vs Man City: Josko Gvardiol (5.0/10)

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol was the lowest-rated player on the pitch at 5.0/10. Cunha picked his pocket and rolled in from just inside the area for the sixth-minute opener, a chance worth 0.30 xG. Maresca replaced him with Nico O’Reilly at half-time.