Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring early in the second half with Cherki’s assist, but Omari Hutchinson volleyed Forest level soon after.
Cherki then delivered the decisive blow from Josko Gvardiol’s pass, his seventh assist and more in a standout season.
Pep Guardiola’s unchanged side grinded out the result amid controversy over Ruben Dias avoiding a second yellow, leapfrogging City provisionally ahead of Arsenal.
Rodri’s bench return after months out added to the champions’ momentum.
