Manchester City ended their seven-game winless run with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, led by a brilliant performance from Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro, making his first start in nearly three months, delivered an assist for Bernardo Silva’s opener and scored City’s second before Jeremy Doku sealed the win.
City’s poor recent form, which included six defeats, had left them 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool. However, the victory at the Etihad Stadium saw Pep Guardiola’s men climb back into the top four, now nine points adrift of Liverpool after their 3-3 draw with Newcastle.
De Bruyne’s performance silenced speculation of tension with Guardiola, who had been easing him back into action through substitute appearances. The midfielder’s sharpness and creativity reminded fans of what City had been missing during his absence.
City wasted no time asserting dominance, with Silva tapping in De Bruyne’s header back across goal just eight minutes in. Stefan Ortega, starting ahead of Ederson, made crucial saves to deny Forest opportunities, including a one-on-one with Chris Wood.
De Bruyne doubled City’s lead in the 31st minute, slotting into the top corner from Doku’s assist. Although Erling Haaland extended his goal drought to three Premier League games, he set up Doku for the third goal, which the winger finished with a precise shot.
City’s defense ensured there was no late drama, unlike their recent 3-3 Champions League collapse against Feyenoord, as they secured a clean sheet and a morale-boosting win.
