Cherki class not in drought

STAR FINDS HIS SHOOTING BOOTS TO CHOP DOWN FOREST WITH LATE WINNER

- JONATHAN VEAL

RAYAN CHERKI chose a good time to end his Premier League drought as his late strike earned Manchester City a vital victory at Nottingham Forest.

The France international had not found the net in the league since the opening day of the season, but his 83rd-minute effort ensured Pep Guardiola’s side registered a sixth-successive victory.

The three points took them briefly to the top of the table ahead of Arsenal's home clash with Brighton.

City had looked like they were going to have to settle for a point as a resolute Forest pegged them back when Omari Hutchinson's strike cancelled out Tijjani Reijnders’ opener, which was created by Cherki.

But the way City ground out another win was an ominous sign for their title rivals.