Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League victory at the City Ground this season with an impressive 3-1 triumph over Manchester City. The result prompted jubilant scenes on the touchline from manager Oliver Glasner, who sprinted down the sideline to celebrate with his squad after Liam Delap sealed the points with Forest’s third goal.
The 52-year-old Austrian had reacted calmly to Jair Cunha’s opening goal, but his excitement grew when Delap found the net for his first of the afternoon before erupting into a full sprint following the striker’s second. “One of my best running stats, I guess,” Glasner joked to BBC Match of the Day. “I will be fatigued tomorrow but I can be because it’s the international break so I can have a rest.”
Clinical Display Ends Home Struggles
The outcome marked a sharp reversal in finishing fortunes for Forest, who entered the contest having scored only six times from 152 attempts—the second-most shots registered in the division. Prior to Saturday, they endured a league-low 4% shot conversion rate alongside a negative expected goals figure of -8.3, creating a stark gap between their 19th-place position and their expected points standing of third.
After netting merely two goals across their initial six home league fixtures combined, Forest’s three-goal haul against the champions showcased the sharpness Glasner had demanded. The manager had previously remarked that his squad could not rely on “flower power,” referencing the 1960s Woodstock festival when calling for greater edge.
Glasner acknowledged that while his team had controlled possession better in previous fixtures, their defensive structure made the difference. “Regarding the team spirit, the energy, I think it was our best game,” Glasner stated, adding that “how passionately we defended, how tactically smart we defended, it was one of our better games.” Former midfielder Danny Murphy labeled the victory a “huge moment in the season” for the side, noting that the manager had experienced tough luck regarding point returns relative to performances early in his tenure.
Delap Shines Against Former Club
The afternoon proved particularly sweet for Delap, who spent a decade within Manchester City’s youth setup before moving to Ipswich in 2019. Following an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea, the forward joined Forest in a £50m transfer, but had registered only one goal in his first eight appearances at the City Ground.
Against City, Delap managed two shots on target in a single league match for the first time this campaign, converting two of his three overall attempts. Glasner explained that high expectations often burden players carrying heavy transfer fees, noting that the forward had lost confidence in west London but is gradually finding his form again.
“As a striker it’s the most important thing [to score goals],” Delap commented. “The only thing you’re judged on. You can play well and not score – really nice to score. Got to keep performing and improving but today I’m happy.” Murphy added that if the forward maintains his fitness and growing confidence, he will develop into a “really big player” for Forest over the course of the campaign.
