Man City player ratings vs Forest: De Bruyne silences doubters and three stars hit 8/10

put on a Man of the Match performance as Manchester City ended a seven-game wait for a victory against Nottingham Forest.

In a game the champions simply had to win, City opened the scoring after just seven minutes when De Bruyne’s goal-bound header was swept home at close-range by Bernardo Silva.

The Belgian, who was starting his first game since September, continued to be at the heart of all things positive for Guardiola’s side and picked up a goal of his own on the half-hour mark.

Still hurting from last week’s late collapse against Feyenoord, there was no resting on their laurels in the second period, with Jeremy Doku netting a stylish third shortly after the restart.

And much to the delight of , there was a clean sheet to match, meaning City tasted victory for the first time since late October.

Express Sport hands out player ratings from City’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest…

Stefan Ortega – 8/10

Retaining his spot between the sticks ahead of No.1 goalkeeper Ederson, the German produced a stunning right-handed save to keep City ahead when the score was still 1-0.

Manuel Akanji – 7/10

Swept up well on the right-hand side of City’s defence throughout the first-half but was hooked at the break. will be crossing all of his fingers hoping it isn’t another serious injury problem for one of his key defenders.

Ruben Dias – 7/10

Wasn’t necessarily noticeable but for a City defence that has been so shaky at times in recent weeks, that was probably a good thing. His experience and leadership in the backline was crucial for the hosts.

Nathan Ake – 7/10

Operating in the centre of defence instead of left-back, the Dutch international looked like his assured self whenever called upon. Hobbled off late on with a suspected muscle injury.

Josko Gvardiol – 6/10

Another frustrating evening’s work for the Croat. Could’ve and probably should’ve had two goals in the first half, while a sloppy mistake almost led to a Forest equaliser midway through the first half. Recovered well enough in the second period.

Ilkay Gundogan – 7/10

Has been much-maligned in recent weeks, but City’s Treble-winning captain looked back to his pre-Barcelona transfer best against Forest. Benefitted from the extra legs around him in midfield and kept things tidy on the ball.

Bernardo Silva – 7/10

Got the scoring underway in the opening 45 minutes and didn’t look back from that point on. Selfless with his off-the-ball work rate and will likely be crucial to any post-crisis comeback the Manchester-based outfit are able to muster.

– 9/10

Silenced any doubts that might’ve popped up during the last few weeks with a masterclass showing from the heart of midfield. Provided the creative spark City have been missing for most of the season and was rewarded with a goal and an assist. Subbed off 70 minutes in to a standing ovation from the City faithful.

Jack Grealish – 8/10

Deployed centrally instead of out wide and added a much-needed bounce to City’s midfield. Popped up with a crucial block in his own penalty area in the first half. Also helped glue to attack with the defence.

Jeremy Doku – 8/10

Lit things up off the bench against at the weekend and was ushered into the starting XI as a result. Repaid his manager’s trust with a goal and an assist, displaying the end product that has been missing from his game previously.

– 6/10

An uncharacteristically quiet evening for the Norweigan striker. Was kept quiet by the Forest backline, but his movement and build-up play did help create space for his team-mates. That’s now three matches without a goal though.

Kyle Walker (sub) – 6/10

Brought on at the break and didn’t put a foot wrong. More minutes in the legs for the English international after a stop-start season.

Rico Lewis (sub) – 6/10

Replaced De Bruyne with 20 minutes to go. Kept things ticking over in the middle of the park.

Matheus Nunes (sub) – N/A

James McAtee (sub) – N/A

Savinho (sub) – N/A