To the chagrin of their manager, Steve Cooper, Manchester City overcame Nottingham Forest at home while down a man.

Steve Cooper, the manager of Nottingham Forest, was frustrated that his team was unable to take advantage of their numerical advantage against Manchester City in order to earn a point, according to sportheadline.co.uk.

Forest performed horribly in the first half, which Pep Guardiola’s team easily got through. Phil Foden scored the game’s first goal after seven minutes in after 46 straight passes.

Cooper’s team struggled against a determined City team because they were trapped in their own half. Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva exhibited excellent teamwork as they advanced Matheus Nunes to the byline and then crossed the ball for Erling Haaland to score City’s second goal of the afternoon.

After a brawl with Morgan Gibbs-White at the beginning of the second half, Rodri received a red card. As the game continued, both teams continued to receive yellow cards as they fought for possession, each fighting for their clubs.

The Reds made attacking changes with Antony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi coming off the bench in an attempt to take charge of their numerical advantage, but could only muster a few shots on target as City hung on to their win and a clean sheet.

Speaking after the game, Steve Cooper bemoaned his side’s poor start. In quotes revealed by Nottinghampost, the Welshman said;  “Without stating the obvious, it was a really poor start, in terms of the goals we conceded, we know the level of the challenge, preparing for and playing a game against City here at the Etihad. It doesn’t get any tougher.

The 43-year-old strategist was upset with his team’s passivity in allowing the ball to go in the back of the net despite acknowledging the strength and threat Pep’s team poses. Added him;

“The City goals were excellent, but they were also quite typical of Man City goals in terms of style. However, it was sad that we allowed it to happen so quickly. I wanted it to be very difficult if they were going to do it and score.

Manchester City has eighteen points after six games, but Nottingham Forest has only seven points and could find itself in trouble if their recent struggles continue.