Hudson-Odoi strike sinks Man City in top four clash

Nottingham Forest dealt a significant blow to Manchester City's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, as Callum Hudson-Odoi's late winner secured a 1-0 victory in their Premier League clash at the City Ground on 8 March.

City, enduring a turbulent season, are now reduced to fighting for a top-four finish, a scenario rarely seen in the Pep Guardiola era. The defeat marked their ninth league loss of the campaign, leaving them anxiously looking over their shoulders in fourth place.

With this win, third-placed Forest moved four points clear of City, keeping their Champions League ambitions alive. Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, the former European champions are now closing in on their first top-four finish since 1980-81.

Ahead of the match, a touching tribute was paid to Forest legend Stuart Pearce, who was hospitalised earlier in the week. The City Ground displayed a big screen message reading 'Get Well Soon Stuart' in the third minute, recognising Pearce's old shirt number.

For City, the situation looks increasingly precarious. Chelsea, just one point behind, could leapfrog them with a win over struggling Leicester on Sunday. Finishing fifth might still secure Champions League qualification, depending on the performances of English clubs in continental competitions, but it is a modest goal for a club that has won six of the past seven Premier League titles.

The defeat to Forest was their first in the league against the Midlands side since 1997. City's lacklustre display underlined the inconsistencies that have plagued them this season, leaving Guardiola with plenty to ponder.

The match began slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the unseasonably warm weather. City had the better of the first-half chances, with Phil Foden's shot blocked by Nicolas Dominguez and Bernardo Silva blazing over with Erling Haaland waiting in space.

Forest's best chance of the opening exchanges came when Dominguez forced Ederson into a save with a well-struck volley after the break. City introduced Omar Marmoush, Kevin De Bruyne, Rico Lewis, and Mateo Kovacic to spark life into their attack, but the changes failed to shift the momentum.

Hudson-Odoi almost broke the deadlock when his curling effort was tipped onto the post by Ederson. De Bruyne then tested Matz Sels with a free-kick, but it was Forest who found the breakthrough.

In the 83rd minute, Morgan Gibbs-White delivered an inch-perfect pass to Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside and drilled a superb shot past Ederson's weak attempt to save at his near post. The City Ground erupted as Forest held on for a vital win.

Guardiola admitted his side lacked the spark needed, pointing to the busy schedule as a factor. "We did not have enough rest before the Betis match, but we had five days before this one, so there are no excuses," he said.

With City now clinging to fourth place, they face a nervy end to the season, while Forest's dream run continues as they edge closer to an unlikely Champions League spot.