Pep Guardiola urges Man City squad to use recent result as springboard ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged his players to do better, as he hopes to use Wednesday’s key victory over Arsenal as a springboard ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

The Sky Blues travel to the City Ground as Premier League leaders this weekend after moving ahead of rivals Arsenal with an impressive 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium in midweek.

City thrashed Nottingham Forest 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium in August, though Steve Cooper’s side have already taken points from Liverpool and Chelsea at home this season.

After adding an array of talent to their squad in January, Forest saw a four-game unbeaten run come to a conclusion against Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s squad have bounced back from defeat to Spurs with back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland secured victory in North London on Wednesday with second half goals, as Kevin De Bruyne’s opener was cancelled out by Bukayo Saka.

Prior to Saturday’s trip to Forest, Guardiola urged his squad use Wednesday’s win as a springboard and to consolidate their league position.

“They know they have to do better if they want to compete at the highest level this season.

“They talk to each other in the canteen and say they need to be better and it’s good because in the end they play. They’re the artists who work on the pitch, I can’t be involved in that.”

“Still 15 games left, a lot of games but we want to arrive at the last eight or 10 near the top of the league to make a last effort.

“We are in the position that I would have dreamed at the start of the season, I could not expect to be many points ahead after two titles it’s nearly impossible.”

After Saturday’s trip to Forest, the Blues resume their quest for Champions League success with the first-leg against RB Leipzig in Germany.

City also have matches against Bournemouth and Bristol City this month.