British media are wondering where Manchester City's free fall will end after another blow against Nottingham Forest, who are on their way to securing a Champions League spot for next season. TNT Sports analyst Rio Ferdinand reflected on a previous statement by Erling Haaland following City's defeat.
Manchester City's struggles continued as they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their ninth league loss of the season.
This latest setback deepens the crisis surrounding the reigning Premier League champions, who now find themselves a staggering 23 points behind league leaders Liverpool. A team that just last season completed a historic treble now faces the very real prospect of finishing outside the top four, something that would have been unthinkable at the start of the campaign. The reaction from the British media was harsh, reflecting the growing sense of disbelief at City's ongoing collapse. Manchester Evening News summed up the mood, stating that City has no more excuses after this dreadful match against Forest. The defeat also saw Guardiola’s side match a negative record under his tenure, raising further concerns about the club’s direction. A team that had been built on control, dominance, and defensive solidity has now become unpredictable, fragile, and lacking in confidence. City's poor form comes at a critical time in the season, as the battle for Champions League qualification intensifies. With Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa showing consistency, and teams like Tottenham and Newcastle still in contention, the champions risk missing out on Europe's elite competition. The loss to Forest was not just another three points dropped it was another damning indictment of a team that has lost its identity.
The Times was equally critical, highlighting that this was already City’s fifteenth loss in what they described as a catastrophic season for Pep Guardiola. It is a dramatic fall from grace for a manager who, just months ago, was widely regarded as having built one of the greatest teams in football history. Following their painful Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, this latest setback only adds to their woes. The newspaper emphasized that this was Forest at their best: minimalistic yet ruthless. A team with just 31% possession managed to register more shots on target and still defeat the reigning English champions and the richest football club in the world. The result is even more embarrassing given that City dominated possession, as they often do, but failed to turn their control into anything meaningful. Nottingham Forest, a team fighting at the other end of the table, executed their game plan perfectly absorbing pressure, striking when needed, and frustrating their illustrious opponents. Guardiola, often praised for his tactical genius, looked powerless on the sidelines as his side once again failed to break down a well-organized defense.
The Mirror painted a bleak picture of City’s decline, drawing a stark contrast between the two teams. Forest is everything Man City once was. They are moving in opposite directions, the paper stated. Manchester City is like a broken golden watch. Everyone can see the quality, but it is worthless when all the cogs are not turning at the same speed. The metaphor is apt, as City’s once well-oiled machine now appears sluggish and disjointed. The loss to Forest not only damages City’s already slim hopes of salvaging their league campaign but also raises serious questions about the future direction of the team. Guardiola has been known for fiercely defending his players in difficult moments, and that approach continued after the game. Despite Ederson’s costly mistake that led to the only goal of the match, the City manager refused to publicly criticize the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Guardiola refuses to blame Ederson as City fights for a Champions League spot. Ederson made a mess of Hudson-Odoi's shot, writes The Independent, reporting that Guardiola chose not to single out his keeper despite the costly error. Instead, the manager focused on the collective failings of his squad, emphasizing that the team must take responsibility as a whole. Yet, patience among City’s fans is wearing thin. Defensive mistakes have become a recurring theme this season, and while Ederson has been a reliable presence in goal in previous years, this campaign has seen a decline in his form. Questions are being raised about whether changes are needed in key positions, and whether Guardiola will overhaul his squad in the summer.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, the match-winner for Nottingham Forest, spoke to TNT Sports after the game. The winger, who has been instrumental in Forest’s recent resurgence, refused to get carried away about a potential Champions League place for next season. He stated that they have to stay humble, keep challenging themselves, and continue picking up as many points as possible. The phrase stay humble immediately caught the attention of TNT Sports analyst Rio Ferdinand, who responded with a laugh, saying that someone else said that earlier this season as well. The remark was a clear reference to Erling Haaland’s heated exchange with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta earlier in the campaign.
After a dramatic 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, Haaland had confronted Arteta and told him to stay humble in the aftermath of the match. At the time, City were still seen as the dominant force in English football, while Arsenal were viewed as challengers trying to prove their credentials. Now, just months later, the roles appear to have reversed. Arsenal are in the title race, while City are battling just to remain in the top four. Ferdinand’s reaction underscored the irony of the situation. City, who once set the standard for excellence in the Premier League, are now a team struggling to meet their own high expectations. Hudson-Odoi’s words, intentionally or not, served as a reminder that in football, fortunes can change rapidly.
With only a handful of games left in the season, the situation is becoming increasingly urgent for Guardiola and his players. Champions League qualification, which once seemed a formality, is now in serious jeopardy. Failing to finish in the top four would not only be a sporting disaster but could also have financial consequences, affecting the club’s ability to attract top players in the transfer market. City’s decline this season has been surprising, but there are multiple factors at play. Injuries, fatigue from last season’s treble-winning campaign, and a lack of squad depth have all contributed to their struggles. The loss of key players to long-term injuries has exposed weaknesses, and Guardiola has found it difficult to find solutions with the resources available.
Another issue has been the team’s defensive vulnerability. City, once known for their rock-solid defense, have been leaking goals at an alarming rate. Individual mistakes, lapses in concentration, and a lack of cohesion at the back have cost them dearly. Ederson’s blunder against Forest was just the latest in a series of errors that have punished the team this season. The midfield, usually one of City’s strongest areas, has also struggled to control games in the same way. Kevin De Bruyne’s absence for a significant portion of the season has been a major blow, and the likes of Rodri and Bernardo Silva have been unable to compensate for his creativity and leadership.
Up front, Erling Haaland has continued to score goals, but the team’s attacking play has often lacked fluidity. The Norwegian striker has been isolated at times, with City’s buildup play appearing slower and more predictable compared to previous seasons. The absence of an in-form supporting cast has limited their effectiveness in the final third, leading to frustrating performances like the one against Forest. Guardiola will now have to find a way to salvage what remains of the season. With each passing game, the pressure on him and his players increases. City’s dominance in recent years has set incredibly high expectations, and anything less than success is seen as failure. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether City can rescue their campaign or if this season will go down as one of Guardiola’s most disappointing at the club.
