Leaders Manchester City had to hold on to beat Nottingham Forest despite Rodri’s red card to keep their perfect start to the Premier League season.
City led at halftime owing to goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but the game shifted dramatically only 27 seconds later.
Rodri received a straight red card for aggressive conduct after wrapping his hands around Morgan Gibbs-White’s throat as they grappled near the corner flag, with VAR supporting referee Anthony Taylor’s judgment.
Forest had been outplayed up until that moment, with City carving them open with brilliant attacks down the right to score both goals in the first 15 minutes.
Kyle Walker set up Foden’s first-time finish for City’s opener, before Matheus Nunes crossed from the same wing for an unmarked Haaland to head home.
The second half, on the other hand, was a different story, with City needing to dig in to maintain their lead – and they generally succeeded in keeping Forest at bay.
Clear chances for the visitors remained scarce, with Orel Mangala scooping one over and Taiwo Awoniyi missing from close range before Ederson denied Anthony Elanga late on.
Tempers flared in the last minutes, with City manager Pep Guardiola and the home crowd dissatisfied with more of Taylor’s decisions, but City held on to make it six wins in a row.
With the remaining top four teams playing on Sunday, the defending champions have a five-point lead at the top of the table.
