Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, even though they had Rodri sent off during an intense 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
In the opening 15 minutes, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scored, maintaining City’s perfect start in the Premier League with six consecutive wins.
Pep Guardiola’s team has now won 20 consecutive home matches in all competitions. However, they faced a tougher challenge after Rodri’s reckless behavior. In the second half, Rodri grabbed Morgan Gibbs-White around the neck, putting his availability for the Premier League visit to Arsenal next month in jeopardy due to a potential three-game suspension.
City displayed their efficiency early in the game. Foden scored a brilliant volley from Kyle Walker’s precise cross to open the scoring.
Guardiola had expressed concerns about his squad’s injuries, having recently lost Bernardo Silva to injury. Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Jack Grealish remained sidelined, but Matheus Nunes, who joined from Wolves, seized the opportunity and played a crucial role in setting up the second goal.
Nunes executed a skillful one-two with Foden before delivering a precise cross for Haaland, who scored his ninth goal of the season with a powerful strike.
Julian Alvarez had a chance to increase City’s lead, but his close-range effort was blocked.
The situation changed dramatically when Rodri lost his composure. Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi had a chance to get his team back into the game but missed, and both he and Ederson were fortunate not to receive red cards during a heated confrontation.
City then adjusted their tactics, switching to a back five to withstand Forest’s aerial attacks, and they maintained control of the game.
Haaland missed a golden opportunity to score his second goal when he shot over the bar late in the match from Nathan Ake’s cross.
In other matches, Luton secured their first-ever Premier League point in a 1-1 draw against Wolves, despite being reduced to 10 men. Pedro Neto scored for Wolves, while Carlton Morris salvaged a point for Luton with a penalty.
Crystal Palace and Fulham played to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, and Manchester United aimed to break their losing streak against Burnley, who were still seeking their first win since returning to the Premier League.
The teams directly behind City in the table were scheduled to play on Sunday: Arsenal hosted Tottenham in the north London derby, Liverpool faced West Ham, and Brighton took on Bournemouth.