Manchester City goalscorers Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland admitted the champions had to fight to earn their 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola’s side cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to one point, having played a game less, with victory at the City Ground on Sunday.
Gvardiol powered the visitors into the lead as the Croatian defender emphatically met Kevin De Bruyne’s corner kick at the near post, placing a bullet header past Matz Sels.
Nottingham Forest had chances to get back into the game with Anthony Elanga’s pace problematic, and Chris Wood was guilty of missing the best opportunity for the relegation-battling side.
City weathered some pressure until Haaland, off the bench on his return from injury, sealed the win late on
“Its an important win, it does not matter how we do it, and it is good to be back,” Haaland reflected to Sky Sports.
“We knew it was going to be a fight, and the pitch was not the easiest to play on but we cannot complain, it is about winning and that is exactly what we did.”
Gvardiol agreed with Haaland’s assessment of the clash and said title-chasing City were made to work hard for their win.
“It was really tough especially as the pitch was really dry. It’s a more than important three points,” the defender said.
“I didn’t expect to score, but I found myself in a good position.
“We need to be focused on ourselves, that’s what we are doing and there are four more finals to the end so let’s do it.”
