EPL: Delap scores twice as Forest beat Man City 3-1

Nottingham Forest signed Liam Delap from Chelsea for £50m in August Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Liam Delap scored twice as Nottingham Forest secured a memorable 3-1 victory over Manchester City to record their first home Premier League win of the season on Saturday.

Forest took control of the encounter with two first-half goals from Jair Cunha and Delap, capitalising on defensive errors from the visitors.

Cunha opened the scoring after taking advantage of a poor touch from Josko Gvardiol before powering past the City defender and firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Forest doubled their advantage when Xaver Schlager won possession in midfield and released Delap, who raced forward unchallenged before producing a powerful finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Manchester City had opportunities to get back into the game before the break, with Erling Haaland seeing an effort cleared off the line, while Enzo Fernandez failed to make the most of a headed chance.

City reduced the deficit shortly after the restart when Rayan Cherki connected brilliantly with a clearance, sending a superb half-volley into the net.

The visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser and dominated possession, but Forest remained dangerous on the counter-attack.

Delap eventually sealed the victory with a spectacular second goal, finishing a swift counter-attack with a curling effort into the top corner to make it 3-1.

The defeat leaves Manchester City six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who secured a 1-0 victory over Hull City earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Forest move up to 16th place, two points clear of the relegation zone, following an impressive performance against the defending title contenders.

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