Delap double sends City to third straight league defeat at Forest

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Liam Delap scored twice as Nottingham Forest beat Manchester City 3–1 at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 November. The result gave Forest their first home Premier League victory of the season and condemned City to a third consecutive league defeat.

City finished the evening six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Forest moved out of the relegation zone. Oliver Glasner’s side had not previously scored at home in this league campaign but were two goals ahead inside 18 minutes.

Jair Cunha opened the scoring in the sixth minute after winning possession from Joško Gvardiol and advancing to finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Delap added the second after Xaver Schlager won a midfield challenge and played him through.

City found opportunities before the break. Enzo Fernández headed over from Marc Guéhi’s cross, and Erling Haaland went past Matz Sels only for Cunha to clear his attempt off the line.

Rayan Cherki brought City back into contention with a powerful finish in the 52nd minute. Haaland then went close as the visitors pressed for an equaliser, but Forest held their advantage and remained dangerous when City pushed forward.

Delap settled the contest in the 73rd minute, collecting Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass during a counter-attack and restoring Forest’s two-goal cushion. His second goal ended City’s recovery and completed a particularly productive evening against his former club.

City had begun the league season with seven straight victories before their current run of defeats. Head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged afterwards that his players had failed to match Forest’s first-half intensity and had been punished after losing important challenges.

Sources

• Manchester City: Official report of the 3–1 defeat at Forest
• Sky Sports: Delap double gives Forest first home league victory (2026-11-07)