Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are hanging in the balance after their 1-0 defeat by their top-five rivals Nottingham Forest. City were limited to three shots on target, despite dominating with almost 70% possession, as Forest’s ability to soak up pressure and hit superior teams on the break was proven once again by Callum Hudson Odoi’s winner.
The City manager paid tribute to Forest’s defensive prowess but pointed out that his team’s chances of qualifying for the competition they won two years ago remain in their own hands. The reigning Premier League champions have won four, including two FA Cup games, and lost five of their last nine matches and Guardiola accepted that results are too inconsistent.
