Cherki stars in Manchester City win at Nottingham Forest

RAYAN Cherki bolstered Manchester City's title charge as the France star capped a superb display with a late goal that sealed a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest yesterday.

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Pep Guardiola's side survived a scare from Forest to move to the top of the Premier League, thanks to the inspired Cherki. He set up Tijjani Reijnders' second-half opener at the City Ground and blasted the winner after Omari Hutchinson had equalised with his first goal for Forest.

City have now won eight successive games in all competitions, including six in a row in the league.

Forest paid an emotional tribute before kickoff to their former Scotland winger John Robertson, who died aged 72 on Christmas Day. Capable of dazzling dribbles and predatory finishing, Robertson was vital to Forest's European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.

Cherki, 22, is emerging as a kindred spirit to Robertson and has become a key figure for City following his summer move from Lyon. If City pip Arsenal to the title, Cherki is likely to be one of their most significant contributors.