Forest 3-1 Man City: Delap double condemns visitors to third straight league defeat

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Liam Delap scored twice against his former club as Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground, condemning Enzo Maresca’s side to a third successive Premier League defeat.

Jair Cunha put Forest ahead after six minutes before Delap doubled the advantage. Rayan Cherki’s superb finish offered City a route back into the contest, but Delap struck again to secure a much-needed victory for Oliver Glasner.

Forest’s second league win of the season takes them to nine points. City remain on 21, six behind leaders Arsenal heading into the international break.

Forest punish City’s early mistakes

City were behind almost immediately as Cunha dispossessed Josko Gvardiol and drove forward to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The visitors appealed for a foul, but referee Sam Barrott allowed the goal to stand. Forest had the early breakthrough and quickly threatened to add another.

James McAtee shot straight at Donnarumma after being found by Daniel Munoz, while Nikola Milenkovic blocked Jeremy Doku’s effort at the other end.

The second goal arrived in the 18th minute. A mix-up involving Iliman Ndiaye and Elliot Anderson allowed Xaver Schlager to win possession, with the ball breaking to Delap.

The striker surged towards goal and powered his finish past Donnarumma, giving Forest a two-goal cushion before City had settled.

Delap answers Cherki’s lifeline

Cherki reduced the deficit seven minutes into the second half with a fine half-volley, raising the prospect of a City comeback.

Forest still carried a threat on the break, however, and Delap delivered the decisive response in the 73rd minute.

Morgan Gibbs-White supplied the pass and Delap produced another emphatic finish to restore the two-goal advantage. City could not find a way back.

Third straight league defeat for Man City

Defeats by Aston Villa and Brighton had already checked City’s progress after seven consecutive league wins at the start of the campaign. This result extends that losing run to three.

For Forest, who began the match with six points from nine games, it is a significant lift before the international break. Delap’s finishing turned a strong start into the victory Glasner’s side needed.

The Manchester City match centre carries the match commentary, while our Forest vs Man City line-ups page has both starting teams and benches.

Forest 3-1 Man City: goalscorers

Team	Goalscorers
Forest	Jair Cunha 6, Liam Delap 18, 73
Man City	Rayan Cherki 52

Half-time: Forest 2-0 Man City.
Full-time: Forest 3-1 Man City.
Venue: City Ground.
Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 10.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026.

Follow further results and reaction in our Premier League news section.

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