Pep Guardiola offers brief response about Antoine Semenyo potentially joining Man City
Rayan Cherki picked the perfect moment to conclude his Premier League scoring drought as his late goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Manchester City against Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola addresses inquiries regarding Semenyo transfer
The France international had not scored in the league since the season opener, but his 83rd-minute goal guaranteed Pep Guardiola’s team their sixth consecutive win. City appeared set to settle for a draw when a determined Forest equalized after Omari Hutchinson’s strike leveled Tijjani Reijnders’ opener, which Cherki had set up. After the match, Guardiola was grilled about a potential transfer for Antoine Semenyo, giving a concise two-word reply accompanied by a sly grin.
Semenyo has netted eight times and provided three assists in 17 Premier League matches this season, with a £65m release clause becoming active in January. David Ornstein confirmed that City is in a prime position following the player’s rejection of a move to Tottenham.
Man City sends title warning
The manner in which City managed to grind out another three points sent a concerning message to their title competitors. Forest had the better chance in the first half, nearly scoring in the seventh minute when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross was close to being converted, but neither Igor Jesus nor Morgan Gibbs-White could connect. The hosts defended effectively, turning away all that City could throw at them. However, that changed just three minutes after the break as the visitors took the lead with their first shot on target. An orchestrated play allowed Cherki to set up Reijnders, who fired a low shot past Forest goalkeeper John Victor.
John was called into action shortly after to produce an exceptional save to maintain the 1-0 scoreline, as he tipped Cherki’s shot onto the post. The dynamics shifted significantly, and Forest responded in the 54th minute. Gibbs-White initiated a counter-attack, culminating in Jesus delivering a pull-back for Hutchinson to fire home from 12 yards. This allowed Forest to regain some dominance as they sought a second goal, with a significant opportunity arising in the 66th minute.
Neco Williams’ attempt was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and right-back Nicola Savona blasted the rebound from a tight angle over the bar.
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As the momentum shifted, City pushed for a second goal and also had a significant chance. After some neat passing, Phil Foden’s skill set up a shot that seemed destined to find the net until John intervened with a vital leg save. The eventual winner felt imminent, and it arrived in the 83rd minute when a corner fell to Cherki 12 yards from goal and he struck a low shot that John was unable to block.
Published: 2025-12-27 15:35:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
