Nottingham Forest secured a memorable 3-1 win against Manchester City, with Liam Delap finding the net twice to help clinch their first Premier League home victory of the season. The outcome also marked a significant moment for manager Oliver Glasner, whose team finally converted their attacking efforts into goals.
Glasner’s celebrations intensified with each Forest goal. After Jair Cunha broke the deadlock, Delap’s first goal prompted the Austrian to dance in his technical area, while the striker’s second sent him running down the touchline to celebrate with his players.
The win followed a frustrating start to the campaign, with Forest struggling to convert chances despite regularly creating opportunities. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy called the result a huge moment for both the club and its manager.
Nottingham Forest overcome scoring difficulties against Man City
Forest had registered 152 shots before facing City, the second-highest total in the Premier League, but had scored only six goals, the fewest in the division. Their shot conversion rate was just four percent, while their expected-goal difference stood at minus 8.3.
The contrast was evident against City. Forest scored three times in a single match, more than the two goals they had managed across their previous six home league games combined. Their table position had also been worse than their performances suggested, with six points compared to an expected points figure of 15.49.
Glasner acknowledged that Forest had produced better possession-based performances during the season but praised the team’s energy, spirit, and defensive organisation against City. He highlighted their passion and tactical discipline, describing the display without the ball as one of their best.
Murphy felt the result was particularly important because Glasner had not always received the points his team deserved during his early time at Forest. He viewed the win as a major boost for the manager and the club.
Liam Delap’s brace gives Forest renewed attacking optimism
Delap spent 10 years in Manchester City’s academy before leaving for Ipswich in 2019. His prolific spell at Portman Road earned him a move to Chelsea, but he struggled to make an impact in west London before joining Forest in a £50m deal.
After scoring just once in his first eight appearances at the City Ground, the striker delivered a timely response against his former club. He played with aggression and physicality, repeatedly taking the game to the city’s defence and showing the determination to make an impact.
The statistics reflected his improvement in front of goal. Delap had managed only one goal from 24 attempts in his first eight matches, converting four percent of his shots. Against City, he scored twice from three attempts, with both efforts on target.
Glasner said the pressure of a transfer fee could affect a player’s confidence, adding that Delap had lost some belief during his time at Chelsea after an impressive season with Ipswich. However, he believes the forward is gradually finding his rhythm.
Delap admitted that scoring is the most important responsibility for a striker and was pleased to get on the scoresheet. Murphy also praised his overall performance, saying the forward looked fit and strong in recent weeks and could become a major player for Forest if he stays healthy and continues building confidence.