Five Things Learned: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Five Things Learned: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Manchester City (Premier League) City slumped to a third straight Premier League loss with defeat away at Nottingham Forest to fall six points behind reigning champions and leaders Arsenal . Enzo Maresca's side headed into Saturday evening's game at the City Ground on a losing streak, having been defeated by both Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion in recent weeks. Forest, who hadn't scored at home all season, took the lead early on through Jair Cunha, who effortlessly slotted past the out-of-form Gianluigi Donnarumma. After a tepid first-half, the visitors' attack sprang into life as Rayan Cherki smashed in Jeremy Doku's deflected cross to restore hope among the travelling fans. City failed to capitalise on this for the ten minutes following, and Delap instead notched a superb second, finishing off a deadly counter-attack for Forest. Here are five things we learned from Manchester City 's dismal display against Nottingham Forest : 1. Another early goal conceded For a third Premier League game in a row, City conceded from an early goal, putting them behind after just six minutes this time out. There are plenty of issues to highlight from the Nottingham Forest game as well as the past defeats, but the importance of conceding early itself cannot be understated. After taking the lead, the teams work harder and are far harder to break down, whilst the Blues themselves appear to be dejected each time a goal goes in. For previous sides, it would set the hackles up and Manchester City would hit back twice as hard, but this current group seem to struggle to rally back in times of adversity. This is all the more puzzling when you factor in the scenarios the team has already overcome this season, like being a man down at United or conceding three to Sunderland . I think we have all said it multiple times already this campaign, especially in recent weeks, but why on earth, and the wider solar system, is Ayyoub Bouaddi not playing? The Moroccan has looked excellent since joining in the summer, demonstrating the talent to dictate a midfield even at the young age of 19. Despite this, Enzo Maresca continues to select the trio of Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Rayan Cherki for the majority of games. Now there's no doubting the England international has been one of City's best players this season but he is far too exposed in that line-up without the likes of Bouaddi to help cover. This was predictably once again the case versus Nottingham Forest, who sliced through the midfield far too easily to net their goals. If Maresca is to stop this Premier League rut, he must rethink the midfield and make it a more solid basis for defending attacks, something it simply has not been for weeks. 3. A lack of ideas We have discussed Manchester City's defensive issues, but the team's attacking capabilities have to be put under the spotlight too after recent matches. For weeks now, the Citizens have looked utterly tepid going forward and largely devoid of ideas, especially when trailing. Saturday evening was no different as the visitors were all but nullified in attack throughout the first half barring an Erling Haaland chance. Gone are the days of having a David Silva, Yaya Toure or Kevin De Bruyne who could pick up the ball and create something all on their own. The usual threats, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, have been handled well by defences in recent games, and the supply line to Haaland has been, for the most part, cut off. City HAVE to remedy this as soon as possible, as they have grown far too predictable and without urgency, similar to the disastrous 2024-25 autumn and winter months. There are few things more frustrating when watching Manchester City than seeing a lack of balls delivered to Erling Haaland. City have arguably the best striker on the planet who has a ridiculous track record of finishing off nigh on everything he is given, yet the team rarely gives him a chance. Haaland is not a Sergio Aguero-style striker who often picks up the ball, beats a few men and scores a sumptuous goal. He thrives on service and being in the right place at the right time, and that is by no means dumbing down his special talent. The Norwegian is the best in the world at what he does, and his almost unbelievable record speaks for itself, so it is all the more mind-boggling why the team around him do not try harder to get him the deliveries he deserves. This has surprisingly long been a problem since his first season at City and cannot continue if the team are to rectify this bad run of domestic form. 5. Arsenal running away with it Just a few weeks ago, Manchester City were sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, having won their first successive seven matches of the season. Flash forward to now, and Arsenal have already opened up a dangerous six-point gap at the summit with no signs of slowing down. Watching another side lift the trophy in the past two campaigns, having claimed the previous four in a row, has not been easy on City. There is no doubt that the club is desperate to win back English professional football's highest honour once more, but that mission is again in doubt. Arsenal are grinding out wins each week even when not looking their best, which should really worry City given the Gunners are yet to reach fifth gear yet. If Enzo Maresca's men don't turn things around sharpish after the international break, it'll be a third year running without the Premier League title.