Man City see off Forest to close on Premier League leaders Arsenal

Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland shoots to score their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at The City Ground in Nottingham, central England, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

Manchester City overcame relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday to close to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal and keep the destiny of the title race in their own hands.

Mikel Arteta’s team had thrown down the gauntlet earlier in the day, fending off a Tottenham fightback to win 3-2, briefly moving four points clear of City.

But the champions — chasing an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title — saw off a spirited Forest, with goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland in either half.

Forest — fighting for their lives — will rue missed chances, including two clear-cut opportunities for Chris Wood.

City remain firm favourites to land yet another league title with four games remaining — one more than Arsenal.

Third-placed Liverpool are four points behind City having played a game more and are realistically out of the title picture.

Forest, last month docked four points for breaches of Premier League financial rules, remain just one point outside the relegation zone with three games to go.

Pep Guardiola’s City, who came into the match on the back of a 30-match unbeaten run in all competitions, did not have it all their own way at the City ground.

The home had a chance to take a shock lead in the opening seconds but Neco Williams failed to make clean contact from close range.

Forest looked dangerous when they came forward, with Nathan Ake forced to stretch to keep the ball off the toes of Callum