CITY PRIMED FOR A SCRAP

Ugly win is a sign champs will fight to finish

- David McDonnell

IF ever there was a game that underlined Manchester City's desire to land an historic fourth straight title this was it.

Far from their fluent best, with several of their star players making uncharacteristic errors, Pep Guardiola's side did what champions do find a way to win when not playing well.

With the finish line in sight, that is all that matters. Playing attractive football comes second to ticking off the victories, particularly with Arsenal refusing to go away.

 This was Guardiola's 300th Premier League game and it could prove hugely significant in the title race.

City extended their unbeaten run in the league to 19 games, but more importantly they moved to within a point of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. Had Forest possessed a clinical edge they could have taken something from this game to boost their survival chances.

But in Chris Wood they had a striker who fluffed two sitters, while City were able to bring on ice-cool Erling Haaland, who showed his Forest counterpart how it is done with a calm finish to seal the points.

Neco Williams could have put the hosts ahead inside the firs minute, only his shot was blocked.