Liam Delap returned to haunt his former club Manchester City with a brace, driving Nottingham Forest to a Premier League victory that handed City a third consecutive top-flight defeat.

Delap the difference-maker

The striker, once a City academy product, delivered two thunderous finishes that electrified the City Ground and earned him a standout rating of 9. His effort was relentless, and his finishing clinical — a statement performance against the club that let him go.

Jair Cunha also had an outstanding afternoon. The centre-back ghosted into the attack as early as the sixth minute, pouncing to roll in the opener before producing a brilliant goalline clearance at the other end. He rated 8 for a complete, two-way performance.

James McAtee made the most of his return to face his former employers, earning a 7, while Xaver Schlager provided the decisive assist for Forest's second goal. Morgan Gibbs-White worked hard throughout and caused City repeated problems in the final third.

City fall apart at the back

Manchester City's display was alarming. Their entire back line — Gianluigi Donnarumma, Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, and Josko Gvardiol — each rated just 4. Donnarumma conceded three and was judged suspect in the air. Gvardiol was caught in possession by Cunha for Forest's opener before being substituted at half-time alongside Guehi, who had also struggled.

In midfield, the partnership of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez failed to function. Anderson lost the battle at the City Ground — a ground where he previously played — while Fernandez squandered a close-range header that should have reduced the deficit. Both rated 5.

Iliman Ndiaye's misplaced interception led directly to Forest's second goal, and Jeremy Doku was kept quiet throughout by Daniel Munoz, who was awarded a 7 for a disciplined defensive display.

Cherki's consolation not enough

Rayan Cherki provided the only bright spark for City, pulling one back with a stunning second-half finish to earn a 6 — the highest rating among City's outfield players. Erling Haaland had opportunities but could not find his best form in front of goal and also rated 5.

Substitute Matheus Nunes, introduced at half-time, failed to prevent Delap from completing his brace for Forest's third, and was rated 5. Nico O'Reilly, also on at the break in place of the shaky Gvardiol, fared better with a 6, as did Phil Foden after coming on late.

For Forest, Ryan Yates' poor clearance gifted Cherki his goal and limited the captain to a 6, while Murillo and Neco Williams were both solid in keeping Haaland under wraps, each earning a 7. Matz Sels, beaten by Cherki's strike, also rated 6 — with nothing more he could have done to prevent it.