Liam Delap’s two goals lift Nottingham Forest to a 3-1 win

Delap’s second goal restores Forest’s two-goal lead

Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground, but how did Liam Delap shape the result? His two goals came at key moments, including the final goal in the 73rd minute, after City had reduced Forest’s early advantage. Forest led 2-0 at half-time.

Early goals put Forest in control

Jair Cunha scored Nottingham Forest’s opener in the sixth minute to make it 1-0. Delap then doubled the lead in the 18th minute, with Xaver Schlager providing the assist for 2-0.

Manchester City responded through Rayan Cherki in the 52nd minute, reducing the score to 2-1. Delap restored Forest’s two-goal advantage in the 73rd minute, assisted by Morgan Gibbs-White, to make it 3-1. No later goal changed the score.

City dominated possession but not the scoreline

Manchester City had 78% possession and recorded 752 total passes, including 665 accurate passes. Forest had 22% possession, 205 total passes and 137 accurate passes. City also led total shots 12-11, shots inside the box 10-7 and expected goals 1.55-1.02, while Forest registered five shots on goal to City’s four.

Delap was the standout performer, earning an 8.7 rating in 87 minutes and recording two shots on target alongside his two goals. Forest’s four recorded yellow-card events involved James Mcatee, Dan Ndoye, Luca Netz and Igor Jesus.

Forest close the points gap

Before kick-off, City were #2 on 21 points and 15 points ahead of Forest, who were #19 on 6 points. After the result, Forest are provisionally #16 on 9 points, while City remain provisionally #2 on 21 points. The gap is now 12 points, with Arsenal top on 27 points.