Manchester City secured a crucial 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday, narrowing the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just one point and keeping their title aspirations within reach.

The champions’ triumph at the City Ground propelled them closer to an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title, firmly placing the destiny of the title race in their hands.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had earlier set the pace with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tottenham, momentarily extending their lead to four points over City.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side rose to the occasion, dispatching a determined Forest side with goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland in each half.

Despite Forest’s valiant efforts, including missed opportunities by Chris Wood, City maintained control of the match, reaffirming their status as favorites to clinch yet another league title with four games remaining, one more than Arsenal.

Liverpool, positioned third in the league standings, lag four points behind City, having played one additional game and realistically conceding the title race.

Meanwhile, Forest, grappling with relegation concerns after a recent points deduction for financial rule breaches, find themselves precariously situated just one point outside the relegation zone with three matches left to play.

Guardiola’s side, boasting a formidable 30-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, faced a resilient Forest side at the City Ground.

Despite an early scare and sporadic threats from the home team, City asserted their dominance in the 32nd minute when Gvardiol capitalized on a Kevin De Bruyne corner to break the deadlock.

Forest persisted in their pursuit of an equalizer, but Wood squandered a golden opportunity to level the scoreline, failing to convert a clear-cut chance created by Gonzalo Montiel. Guardiola made strategic halftime changes, introducing goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and midfielder Mateo Kovacic to shore up City’s defense and midfield.

As Forest pressed for an equalizer in the second half, City gradually seized control of proceedings.

Haaland, introduced as a substitute for Jack Grealish, allayed City’s nerves by doubling the lead, capitalizing on a precise through ball from De Bruyne to notch his 21st Premier League goal of the season.