Man City kitman helped Ederson avoid red card in win over Nottingham Forest

Manchester City's kitman has been credited with helping goalkeeper Ederson avoid a yellow card against Nottingham Forest.

The treble-winners recorded a sixth consecutive win courtesy of goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, who both found the net in a dominant first half display.

One would have expected to add a flurry of goals in the second half but in the opening minute Rodri was sent off for putting his hands on the neck of Morgan Gibbs-White in a moment of madness.

City had to play it cautious and defend their lead but they were at risk of a second dismissal in a game where tempers flared.

Ederson was booked for squaring off up to Taiwo Awoniyi after a collision but given the scoreline and the fact City were down to 10 men, the Brazilian was in no rush to take his goal-kicks.

He was treading the line carefully, with referees making a point of clamping down on time-wasting this season.

City kitman Brandon Ashton ran over behind the goal to give Ederson a bit of vital instruction, with the footage being widely shared on social media and seeing the cult hero showered with praise.

One wrote: "F***ing legend. Essential part of the club."

A second said: "When you work with Pep you must play multiple roles. Man like Brandon is also part time coaching staff."

A third weighed in: Even the kitmen have to be versatile. Pep is a monster."

A fourth user added: "Ederson lol. Kitman had to tell him to behave."

A fifth joked: "Brandon know his role well better than Rodri today."

A final person wrote: "Can always count on Brandon."

Image: Getty

Ashton has been at City since he was 16 and is extremely popular with the players. He is renowned for his outrageous stunts, which including sliding through the changing rooms while half-naked after trophy triumphs.