Liam Delap scored two superb goals as Nottingham Forest earned their first home Premier League win of the season with a pugnacious victory over a slipshod Manchester City.
The result left City six points behind table-topping Arsenal – 1-0 winners over Hull earlier in the day – in second place, while Forest are now two points above the relegation zone in 16th.
Forest had taken an early lead when Josko Gvardiol was punished for a slightly heavy touch before being bundled off the ball far too easily by Cunha.
The Brazilian advanced towards the edge of the box before stroking a low effort into the corner of the net from just inside the area.
The intensity of Oliver Glasner’s side brought them a second goal when Xaver Schlager’s tenacity allowed him to win a 50/50 challenge against a timid Elliot Anderson.
Schlager released Delap, who powered his way from the halfway line – unchallenged – before lashing a powerful finish beyond a hapless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City had their moments during a frenetic first period – Erling Haaland’s shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line while Enzo Fernandez should have done better with a header.
The visitors reduced the arrears early in the second half when Cherki gracefully met a clearance with a crisp half-volley.
City then camped in Forest’s half but Delap applied the coup de grace when he finished off a swift breakaway, spearheaded by Morgan Gibbs-White, with a rasping, curling finish high into the corner of the net.
Credit: bbc.com
