Guardiola encouraged the players to continue to give their all and remain committed.

Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 in a key match of the 18th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to goals from Reindes and Rajan Scherki. Manager Pep Guardiola said he was happy to finish the year with three important points and encouraged the players to continue to put in more effort for the team.

In the 48th minute, Gevadiol orchestrated an attack, with Rajan Serki passing the ball into the penalty area. Reindes received the ball and fired a low shot into the net, giving Manchester City a 1-0 lead. In the 54th minute, Igor Jesus crossed from the penalty area, and Omari Hutchinson slotted the ball home, leveling the score at 1-1 for Nottingham Forest.

In the 83rd minute, Foden took a corner kick, Gwadiol headed the ball across, and then Rajan Sherkhi slotted it home, giving Manchester City a 2-1 lead over Nottingham Forest.

Manchester City ultimately defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 away from home, extending their winning streak to six games.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said, "I know the memory of the away game against Nottingham Forest in the winter might not be so clear, but these types of games often happen when we win one of the Premier League titles. It's three points, but also very important three points, especially considering the strength of the opponent."

“Dyche has built a great team, they are really excellent. It’s a very good team, and I know their recent form hasn’t been ideal, but that doesn’t change their strength or the aggression that Dyche has brought to the team.”

Guardiola pointed out, "We've talked about this. We need to show an incredible mentality, and more importantly, how to endure, how to defend, accept that we can play better, and still stay in the competition, otherwise it's impossible to win. We lost that game last season."

"The team has been eager to do this ever since, and of course, it's a good thing to end the first half of the season with such an important 3 points."

Manchester City are currently second in the standings with 40 points, two points behind leaders Arsenal. In the next round, Manchester City will travel to Sunderland to face them.

Guardiola continued, "The players' body language, our celebrations, and our relationship with the fans—these are all real. The fans love the goalkeeper, the strikers, and everyone because they can feel the team's desire to fight and compete for each other."

"If we don't play well enough, the fans can accept it, but if we don't put in the effort and dedication for those who love this club, they can't accept it. This relationship has always been there, and I think it has been going on for a long time."