Man City player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Josko Gvardiol good but Kyle Walker poor

Manchester City took one big step towards the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Blues had to ride their luck as Forest missed a host of chances that could have changed the game. However, Josko Gvardiol headed in the opener in the first half and substitute Erling Haaland made things safe after coming on for his first minutes since the Real Madrid game.

It proved a perfect response to Arsenal's win in the North London derby and ended an excellent week for the reigning champions with two wins and two clean sheets; they remain a point behind Mikel Arteta's side with a game in hand. Here is how the players rated.

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Ederson: Ropey from the first minute until the 45th, dropping a number of easy balls from corners and not finding teammates with passes. 4

Walker: Beaten all afternoon by Aina, trying to organise teammates while being unable to carry out what was needed in his position. 4

Akanji: Picked as Guardiola's messenger to pass orders to the team when things weren't going well, and had a better second half. 7

Ake: The best defender on the pitch, albeit the standards were lower than usual in this game. He covered well for Gvardiol and largely stuck to his responsibilities. 7

Gvardiol: Some wayward touches and wild decisions that cost City possession and encouraged Forest, but also several important blocks and another important goal. 8

Rodri: Kept his head this time, having lost it so spectacularly in the reverse fixture. His class showed as the game went on. 7

Silva: Played wherever City needed him - often inside and back alongside Rodri - and kept on running right until the end when others