Player Ratings: Hudson-Odoi Secures Forest’s Vital 1-0 Win Against Manchester City

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·8 marzo 2025

Player Ratings: Hudson-Odoi Secures Forest’s Vital 1-0 Win Against Manchester City

Nottingham Forest Secure Vital 1-0 Win Over Manchester City in Premier League Clash

On Saturday, Nottingham Forest pulled off a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester City, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring the match-winning goal late in the game. The win could have significant implications for Forest’s push for a top-four finish, keeping them five points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite the narrow margin, the victory was hard-fought, with Forest managing to hold off City’s attacking pressure.

Tactical Set-Up and Game Overview

The game began with a slow tempo, neither side able to break down the other’s defence in a first half that lacked genuine excitement. City controlled possession for much of the opening period, but Nottingham Forest’s defensive shape remained solid. Nico Gonzalez came closest to scoring in the first half with a fierce shot that rattled the outside of Forest’s post.

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However, it was Callum Hudson-Odoi who delivered the game’s defining moment in the 83rd minute. After Ederson had kept him at bay with a brilliant save earlier in the half, Hudson-Odoi calmly finished at the near post, beating the Brazilian keeper to give Forest a well-earned lead. Despite Ederson’s efforts, he could have done better with the strike at his near post, which ultimately cost City the game.

Photo: IMAGO

Key Moments in the Match

While the match lacked much excitement in the opening 45 minutes, the game sparked to life in the second half. City continued to apply pressure, but Forest’s well-drilled defensive unit held firm. Hudson-Odoi’s clinical finish came at a crucial time, as Manchester City struggled to find the equaliser.

For Forest, this victory could prove pivotal as they remain in the hunt for a Champions League qualification spot. With Chelsea breathing down their necks in fifth, this win extends their lead, potentially giving them a vital advantage as the season progresses.

Player Ratings

Nottingham Forest

GK: Matz Sels – 7.0/10: Solid between the posts, making crucial saves when needed.
RB: Ola Aina – 6.7/10: A steady presence defensively, offering support going forward.
CB: Nikola Milenkovic – 6.8/10: Competent at the back, dealing well with City’s attackers.
CB: Murillo – 7.5/10: Strong in defence, making vital interceptions and clearances.
LB: Neco Williams – 7.1/10: Defended well and contributed to the team’s transition play.
DM: Nicolas Dominguez – 7.6/10: A key figure in midfield, breaking up play and distributing well.
DM: Elliot Anderson – 6.1/10: A quieter presence in midfield, struggling to assert himself.
RW: Anthony Elanga – 7.2/10: Provided pace on the right but lacked an end product.
AM: Morgan Gibbs-White – 7.2/10: Creative and industrious, a consistent presence in midfield.
LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi – 8.1/10: Scorer of the match-winning goal, impactful throughout.
ST: Chris Wood – 6.5/10: Worked hard but was largely ineffective in attack.

Manchester City

GK: Ederson – 6.4/10: Made a brilliant save but could have done better with the goal.
RB: Matheus Nunes – 6.7/10: Solid defensively but didn’t contribute much offensively.
CB: Abdukodir Khusanov – 7.3/10: Strong performance in defence, limiting Forest’s attacking threats.
CB: Ruben Dias – 7.2/10: Reliable at the back, but couldn’t prevent the goal.
LB: Josko Gvardiol – 7.5/10: A defensive rock, but couldn’t stop the late strike.
DM: Nico Gonzalez – 7.1/10: Industrious in midfield, but struggled to break down Forest’s defence.
RM: Savinho – 7.2/10: Delivered pace but failed to make a meaningful impact.
CM: Bernardo Silva – 7.4/10: Constantly involved, but lacked the final pass to make a difference.
CM: Phil Foden – 6.8/10: Largely ineffective, couldn’t provide the creative spark City needed.
LM: Jeremy Doku – 7.2/10: Pace was a threat, but his end product let him down.
ST: Erling Haaland – 6.6/10: Largely isolated, struggled to get into the game.