Manchester City Lost in Nottingham Forest

Manchester City 0-3 Nottingham Forest

Despite much publicity about their spending power, City suffered a humiliating defeat that left their fans wondering what on earth is going on! This sort of performance against an able but inferior side, at least financially, almost defies explanation. It's no good simply saying, "that's football", because there is so much at stake and Mark Hughes side will have to do a lot better to weather the storm. It is, perhaps, understandable that players do not give of their best, when they are threatened with the chop, but there is sorting out to be done, and it is becoming a matter of some urgency.

Forest have not been having the best of seasons, so it was all the more remarkable that they brushed City aside so readily. It all started with a fantastic volley by Nathan Tyson from about 20 yards out. The City keeper had no chance of stopping it but it must be said that it resulted from a defensive error by Micah Richards. However, it shot the visitors into the lead after 38 minutes and they never looked back. In fact forward and onwards seemed to be the theme, when Robert Earnshaw doubled the lead 4 minutes later, prior to the end of a very satisfying first half that few, if any, would have predicted.

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New Forest boss, Billy Davies, must have been delighted watching from the stands, as stand in manager John Pemberton, coached the side to a notable victory. It will give the man who took Derby up to the Premiership, something to build on, after a real confidence booster.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, who is usually persistent and reliable, was unfortunately injured after 24 minutes to be replaced by Vassel. It seems he sustained a hamstring injury, so he may be out for some time, and if that is the case he will be sorely missed. It may have been more than coincidence that after he left the field Forest assumed control. City were also missing Robinho and Stephen Ireland, but all the top sides experience such problems, frequently without capitulating.

Wes Morgan made a good stop to prevent Jo pulling one back for City, but it was all over when Richard Dunne's throw-in found Garner to crown a wonderful afternoon for Forest. Billy Davies finished with as much to smile about, as Mark Hughes had to frown upon. Expectations are high at Eastfields, and there is little doubt that the excellent reputation the City manager built up at Blackburn is beginning to look a little tarnished. Patience is a virtue that is not always extended to top football managers!

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Manchester City Lost In Nottingham Forest
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Manchester City Lost In Nottingham Forest