Boxing Day delivered a fiercely contested encounter at the City Ground, where Manchester City claimed a crucial 2-1 away win over Nottingham Forest to move top of the Premier League table.

The victory lifts Pep Guardiola’s side into first place, placing them one point clear of Arsenal, who still had a game to play later in the day.

The standout performer was undoubtedly Rayan Cherki. The French playmaker made his presence felt immediately after the break, providing a perfectly weighted assist for Tijjani Reijnders in the 48th minute to put City ahead.

Nottingham Forest responded with spirit and intensity, drawing level in the 54th minute through Hutchinson.

But true champions find a way — and City did just that. In the 84th minute, Cherki stepped up once more, scoring the decisive goal to seal all three points and confirm his status as the match-winner.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Nottingham Forest - Manchester City 1:2 (0:0)
Goals: Reijnders, 48 (0:1); Hutchinson, 54 (1:1); Cherki, 83 (1:2)

Nottingham Forest: John Victor; Williams N.; Murillo; Milenković; Savona; Hudson-Odoi (Bakwa, 92); Anderson E.; Gibbs-White; Dominguez N. (Awoniyi, 87); Hutchinson; Igor Jesus
Substitution: Awoniyi (from 87); Bakwa (from 92)
Bench: Sels; Morato F.; Abbott; Douglas Luiz; Zinchenko; Mcatee; Kalimuendo
Yellow Cards: Anderson E. 43

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Dias R.; Gvardiol; Reijnders (Sávio Moreira, 73); Nico González; Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes; Foden; Cherki (Ake, 89); O'Reilly; Håland E.
Substitution: Sávio Moreira (from 73); Ake (from 89)
Bench: Trafford; Khusanov; Lewis R.; Rodri; Mukasa; Heskey R.
Yellow Cards: Dias R. 36; O'Reilly 59