Cherki strikes late as City beat Forest

Rayan Cherki bolstered Manchester City’s title charge as the France star capped a superb display with the late goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side survived a scare from Forest thanks to the inspired Cherki.
He set up Tijjani Reijnders’ second-half opener at the City Ground and blasted the winner after Omari Hutchinson equalised with his first goal for Forest.
City have won eight successive games in all competitions, including six in a row in the league.
Forest paid an emotional tribute before kick-off to their former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day.
Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, beat City at home in March and once again they made life difficult for Guardiola’s men with a tenacious display.
City finally burst into life to take the lead with their first shot on target in the 48th minute.
Cherki drifted inside for a cleverly disguised pass that picked out Reijnders, who guided a clinical finish past John Victor from 12 yards.
By far City’s most dynamic force, Cherki nearly doubled the lead moments later with a stinging strike that Victor pushed away at the near post.
Forest remained a threat and Hutchinson hauled them level in the 54th minute.
Reijnders carelessly conceded possession to Gibbs-White just outside his own area and Igor Jesus whipped in a cross that Hutchinson drilled past Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.
But Cherki capped his man of the match performance with the 83rd-minute winner.
When the ball bounced to the French forward just inside the area, he lashed a fierce finish past Victor before copying Haaland’s zen celebration in front of the jubilant City fans.
RESULTS
Arsenal 2-1 Brighton
Brentford 4-1 AFC Bournemouth
Burnley 0-0 Everton
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves
West Ham 0-1 Fulham