After a few unsuccessful attempts since returning to the Premier League, Forest have finally beaten the reigning champions on a Saturday to remember at a packed sun blessed City Ground.

After thirty years winless against the Citizens, Forest’s time finally came, with a superb performance to top off a wonderful day, and three incredible points.

The first half 

Despite talks of Man City’s possession-dominant style, Forest started as the “dominant” side, and had more of the ball, however Man City were hard to break down fully — by that I mean, how far Forest could get to before a Khusanov tackle. A superb, young defender, with a unique playing style. Despite his small size, he has a large physical presence.

Man City when they could attack were dealt with superbly by a heavily organised Nottingham Forest side, presenting their defensive shape in somewhat of a 4-4-2, and while that is typical of Forest’s defensive shape, Anthony Elanga held a more advanced position in front of the banks of four, as a sort of “auxiliary” striker. His pace, fast pressure, and ability to win second balls made the jobs of Man City’s defence far more difficult — room for error further decreased.

The Citizens would be the only side to have a shot on target in the half though, as Doku’s effort finds Matz Sels with an easy save to keep it nil nil.

Overall, Forest the better side – defensively astute, and going forward presenting threat, however not offering much goal-mouth action.

Score level at Half Time.

The second half 

Forest have been here before, goalless against City at half time; it is dangerous, perhaps at times misleading, the weaponry on City’s bench potentially game-changing. The Reds needed a goal, to give them at least something.

The tactical battle was brilliant to witness, but I couldn’t help but thinking — and yes it is easy to say in hindsight — how predictable City’s fullbacks were. Nunes was ineffective in his defensive role, and indeed inverting, then Gvardiol didn’t offer quite as much chaos as usual. It was a strange team selection by City, and actually I think it played into Forest’s “hands”.

Both sides traded blows, Kovačić came close with a far-post effort, whistling by, while Forest had chances of their own – most notably Hudson-Odoi’s trademark cut-in shot, which whistled again by the far post.

Eventually, Forest broke the deadlock, and it was the £3m man that did it; the man who came back from injury issues, and Chelsea rejection: Callum Hudson-Odoi. The goal, amongst many, is testament to his work rate and determination to be at the top of his game, and win silverware. A wonderful assist from Gibbs-White, world-class in fact, a floated ball from the other side of the pitch finds Hudson-Odoi, who runs in on goal, and fires past Ederson. The City Ground erupted, the loudest it has been all season without a doubt. A wonderful goal.

Forest held on, which is no surprise considering Morato entered the pitch, and beat the Champions on home soil, leaving only Luton & Bournemouth as sides they have played in the league, and not yet beaten. For now though, Guardiola’s side leave the losers, and Nottingham Forest the winners.

Every Forest shirt was just that much more Red today, every Forest fans smile was just that much wider, the City regenerated. A wonderful sight.

A huge win at home, Forest beat the champions 1-0.

*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFC Celebrations after Callum Hudson-Odoi’s winning goal.