Sean Dyche furious at ‘unacceptable performance’ by officials in defeat to Nottingham Forest – ‘I’m scratching my head’

Forest boss Dyche was furious that Rayan Cherki’s impromptu finish was allowed with seven minutes remaining, a crucial moment that saw City move ahead of Premier League leaders Arsenal into the top of the table ahead of the weekend’s remaining games.

Manager Omari Hutchinson had Tijani Lijnders’ opener canceled, but the result leaves Forest in 17th place with 18 points, just outside the relegation zone.

The center of contention for Dyche was Nico O’Reilly’s role in Cherki’s shot from the edge of the box, with the full-back appearing to drag Morgan Gibbs-White to the ground in the build-up to goal.

“Unfortunately, the referees played a big role in today’s game,” Dyche told TNT Sports.

“It’s very disappointing, but we don’t want that to happen. Looking back, I’m scratching my head, but I can’t believe some of the things that happened. I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

Highlights: Cherki scores the winning goal and helps Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest

Video credit: TNT Sports

Asked if he had spoken to the match officials, Dyche added: “It’s pointless. We’ve done the same thing over and over again as managers and we just get into trouble for no reason.”

“Everyone can see it. There are TV cameras here and everyone can see today’s performance, but it’s miles away. In my opinion, that’s unacceptable because it has a significant impact on the game.”

“Their centre-half kicks the ball out, doesn’t do anything and jumps on the floor like he’s injured when there’s nothing wrong with him.

“(Scorer) Morgan Gibbs-White was pushed to the floor and then the same player got up and tried to block it, but he couldn’t get into a position to block it and it was clear that the impact went through his body.

“For me, this is an unacceptable performance. As a manager, I have raised my hand from time to time. Sometimes officials, people in power, have to come forward and say they were miles away.”

‘Great move’ – Hutchinson reaches Forest level against City

Video credit: TNT Sports

Following Cherki’s strike, a VAR check by Andy Madeley upheld referee Robert Jones’ on-field decision, which ruled O’Reilly had not made any significant contact with Gibbs-White.

Former England and City defender Joleon Lescott believes Dyche has a point.

“I think there was an uncontrollable element to this game,” Lescott told TNT Sports. “His team had a great performance and then when you lose because of micro decisions like they did, sometimes the 1% decisions you get, it’s going to be frustrating.”

“Man City won’t care about that, but if you’re a Forest fan it’s going to add to your frustration because it wasn’t a standout play and there were a lot of questions about him.

“It was definitely a foul on Morgan Gibbs-White and we’ve probably seen fouls given out in other games as well. City know they have a chance and it’s probably a smart move from Nico O’Reilly, but it’s going to be a certain amount of frustration for Sean Dyche and Forest.”

Guardiola: I lost all my Christmas weight!

Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola said on the eve of the match that he may have put on a few kilograms because of the Christmas period, but expressed full confidence in his players maintaining their trademark discipline over the holidays.

City’s squad were weighed in and warned not to overindulge over Christmas, but a relieved Guardiola joked to TNT Sport:

“I put on weight over Christmas and today I lost weight. I’m healthy again. Saint-Daiche have once again put together a great team. This is a really, really, really big three points.”

‘The mentality was unbelievable’ – Guardiola praises Man City after late win

Video credit: TNT Sports

“[Forest]are a great team. The way they play, they do unbelievable things. Igor takes all the balls. They have a top-quality team.”

“This team played one or two games in the Champions League last season and now they’re playing in European competitions. They’re a great team, but they’re tough in the winter.

“I’ve talked a lot about this with the players over the last few days. At Nottingham Forest in the winter, you have to be there, there, there. If you’re not ready today, you can’t win that game. The mentality was incredible and I was really happy for the players too.”

“We’ve played 18 games, so we’ve finished the first leg. And in the second leg, we know there will be a lot of games like today. The Premier League is tougher, tougher, tougher, but it’s important to be there. Even if we win or lose today, it doesn’t mean it’s over. We have a lot of games left.”