MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 2-0 NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Manchester City struck early to beat Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium, however, face the challenge of going to the Emirates Stadium in a few weeks without Rodri, who was sent off for the first time in his Premier League career.

Pep Guardiola's side came out of the blocks flying, dominating the ball and moving it quickly and sharply around the pitch. With their first real dangerous attack of the game, City took the lead, as Kyle Walker touched Rodri's cross field ball down into the path of Phil Foden, who drilled the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season.

Goal number two came in the 14th minute, as Erling Haaland, who has faced criticism from portions of the fanbase for wasteful finishing, pounced on his first sniff of goal, as he headed home Matheus Nunes's cross after a fine team move.

City controlled the rest of the first half, creating one real chance, as Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez combined to see the Argentinian's shot blocked well from close range. Forest had a few dangerous looking breaks, but other than that, City were cruising through the game.

However, just less than a minute into the first half, Rodri reacted badly to a nudge from Morgan Gibbs-White and in the subsequent melee, placed his hands on Gibbs-White's neck, causing the Englishman to slump to the ground dramatically.

Rodri was shown red by referee Anthony Taylor, which sees him banned for the away Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle United, the Premier League game against Wolves and, crucially, the potential title decider away to Arsenal on October 8th.

Gibbs-White did act pathetically, but ultimately, no-one can be blamed for the incident other than Rodri. It was extremely rash from the 27 year old to raise his hands, all of which came in the first minute of the second half, a time when tempers shouldn't be flaring.

Rodri will be in Guardiola's bad books for a while after his suspension is over, as the Catalan has admitted himself, but if anyone can work his way back to the forefront of Guardiola's mind, it's the man whom he called the best midfielder in the world as recently as Tuesday.

In the second half, with 10 men, City defended with a low block, but were still able to get the biggest chance of the half, as Haaland skewed over from inside the penalty area, after excellent work from Nathan Ake on the left hand side.

In the first half, City played the same system as towards the end of the game against Red Star Belgrade in midweek. Walker and Doku held the width, with Nunes, Foden and Alvarez playing as a trio of 8's/10's. Rodri sat deep, just in front of a back 3.

But after the red card, City needed to adjust, and adjust they did. Guardiola made two changes in quick succession, taking off direct attacking players in Doku and Alvarez, and replacing them with more defensive minded stabilisers, namely Kalvin Phillips and Ake.

City moved to a 5-3-1 formation, with Foden and Nunes offering box to box qualities in supporting Haaland as the lone striker. The entire back 5; Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, the impressive Josko Gvardiol, and Ake put their bodies on the line, to limit Forest's chances.

When Steve Cooper's side inevitably did get a sight on goal, Ederson stood strong and tall, making one excellent save in particular in stoppage time from former Manchester United player Anthony Elanga.

Overall, City will be delighted with both halves, in their own individual ways. The first half was magnificent, they dominated the ball, created chances, and just looked generally comfortable against a much inferior opposition.

The second half saw City enter uncharted waters, as they conceded a lot of possession to Forest. However, the defenders all showed off their individual and collective quality to edge City over the line.

Guardiola will have the opportunity to rest some of his big hitters in midweek away to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and come back again next Saturday for the journey to Molineux.

Here are the player ratings for the victory against Steve Cooper's side:

Ederson - 7.5/10 - Very good performance in goal for the Brazilian, who handled everything thrown at him in the second half. Marked down slightly for his moment of stupidity early in the second half when tussling with Taiwo Awonyi, which saw both players given a yellow card at a time where City really didn't need it.

Walker - 8.5/10 - Other than being beaten for pace a handful of times down the right hand side by Elanga, the Englishman had an excellent game for the Blues. His assist for Foden's goal showed the intelligence and precision of a seasoned midfielder; yet more proof he's beginning to adapt himself as an attacker into Guardiola's system

Akanji - 8/10 - A solid performance from the Swiss international, who will be very difficult to drop when John Stones returns to full fitness. With the changes in the second half, Akanji often found himself in a right back position, and didn't look out of place in the slightest.

Dias - 8/10 - Led the backline excellently, and dealt well with Taiwo Awonyi in the physical battles. Was prepared to put his body on the line, and seemed on a personal mission to keep a clean sheet.

Gvardiol - 9/10 - As mentioned above, Gvardiol was impeccable against Forest, keeping the ball and winning it back like a seasoned central midfielder. His stand out moment was an excellent sliding block to prevent a shot from the edge of the box from testing Ederson.

Rodri - 6.5/10 - From the ridiculously good to the ridiculously bad. The first half from Rodri was just an indicator of what City will miss whilst he's injured; ball retention, energy, commitment and general class, only for him to throw it away by losing his temper in the worst way possible. He'll be sorely, sorely missed.

Nunes - 8.5/10 - Another new signing to have hit the ground running at the Etihad, Matheus Nunes looks to be the full package already. With bounds of running and energy in midfield he is like a cross between Bernardo Silva and Rodri. Excellent play in the build up for Haaland's goal, with a delicious clipped cross.

Foden - 8.5/10 - An overall exceptional performance from the 23 year old, who scared the Forest backline with his silky dribbling and creative threat. Took his goal excellently, with a brilliant technical finish.

Alvarez - 7/10 - Energetic and aggressive as always, and actually contributed more in the first half than he did in the first half against Red star Belgrade. Subbed off for the benefit of the team early in the second half.

Doku - 7/10 - Unfortunate to be hooked early in the second half, as he looked dangerous in the first half down City's left hand side. An exciting player, for sure, who will likely continue to prosper.

Haaland - 8/10 - Led the line excellently, feeding off scraps for most of the second half. Took his goal well after being in the right position, an element of Haaland's game that can never be criticised.

Substitutes:

Phillips - 6.5/10 - Positive performance from the England international, who'll hope to provide cover for Rodri in the next few games. Aggressive in the tackle, and went on the odd charge forwards, which will hopefully be enough to see him start against Newcastle in midweek.

Ake - 7.5/10 - Defended well against the winger on his flank, and offered a threat going forward. If Haaland had taken his time in the middle, Ake would've come out of the game with a well earned assist.

Grealish - 6.5/10 - Had a few nice touches of the ball to help City win position, and was on the pitch long enough to ruffle Gabriel Montiel's feathers.