City had raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, but a straight red card for Rodrigo moments into the second 45 turned the game on its head.
But Pep Guardiola’s men held firm and, thanks to a fine late save from Ederson and some last-ditch defending, preserved the clean sheet as well as the three points.
For former City forward Dickov, that defiant response to adversity showed that we can ‘win ugly’ when the occasion calls for it.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Speaking on Matchday Live, he said: “It was a completely different second half, obviously the sending off had a massive bearing on how City went out and played but I think we showed a different side to what we’re about today.
“It’s not very often you see Pep Guardiola going to a back five, with four of them being centre halves.
“It just shows that as well as playing beautiful football, creating loads of chances and scoring lots of goals that City have a determination to keep the clean sheet as well.
“There’s something special about winning a game with ten men. The togetherness in the club is fantastic anyway but sometimes it can really help when your backs are against the wall.”
Dickov was joined in the Matchday Live studio by Stuart Pearce, who played and managed both sides, and Robert Earnshaw, who made over 100 appearances for Forest from 2008-2011.
And while both feel Rodrigo’s suspension is a significant blow for City, both have backed Kalvin Phillips to flourish in his absence.
Through a combination of injuries and the form of Rodrigo, the midfielder has been limited to 23 appearances so far since moving to the Etihad in the summer of 2022.
Indeed, both see the next three Premier League fixtures against Wolves, Arsenal and Brighton as an opportunity for the England international.
Pearce explained: “I think he’s an outstanding talent. We put a big offer in at West Ham to pair him with Declan Rice a few years ago, we felt that would work as it has for England.
“He ended up at City and for whatever reason it hasn’t quite worked as yet, but he’s certainly a great kid and a great professional.
“He’s desperate for game time and this might just be the opening he needs.”
Earnshaw added on Phillips: “I like him as a player and have spent a few minutes with him. This might be the biggest moment for him, and I hope it is.
“Missing Rodrigo for those three games is huge. He’s probably the number one player… he makes this City team tick.”
