Pep Guardiola salutes Man City's resilience as Rayan Cherki strike seals Nottingham Forest victory

City took the lead early in the second half when Tijjani Reijnders finished from close range after being set up by Rayan Cherki. Forest responded quickly, with Omari Hutchinson levelling six minutes later to cap a spirited performance from the hosts at the City Ground.

With the match heading towards a draw, Cherki struck the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, firing home to give City their eighth consecutive win in all competitions and their sixth in a row in the league.

Guardiola said the win was particularly significant given the nature of the contest. "It's more important how you suffer and defend and accept you're not playing well," he said. "Last season, this is a game we would have lost."

The City manager also highlighted the quality of the opposition despite Forest's recent mixed form. "Sean Dyche has created a proper team," Guardiola said. "They are aggressive and difficult to play against. That's why these three points are so important."

The victory keeps City two points behind Arsenal, who also won on Saturday, and continues an ominous run of form that has seen Guardiola's side collect 24 points from their last 27 available.

Cherki's performance drew praise from Guardiola, who acknowledged the midfielder's inconsistency earlier in the season. "There are moments I shout at him and moments I want to kiss him," he said. "Today he made the difference."

Forest manager Sean Dyche was critical of the officiating, believing Morgan Gibbs-White was fouled in the build-up to City's winning goal. "It's a clear foul and an easy decision for VAR," Dyche said, expressing frustration at the outcome.

City now turn their attention to a demanding January schedule, which includes domestic cup commitments and the resumption of Champions League fixtures, as they continue to apply pressure at the top of the table.