Manchester City’s pursuit of the Premier League title suffered a setback as Nottingham Forest earned a draw at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Both title contenders kicked off simultaneously on Wednesday night. While Arsenal secured victory over Brighton, Forest grabbed a late equaliser through Elliot Anderson, whose curling strike from distance 13 minutes from time rescued a valuable point.
Forest began cautiously, sitting deep and allowing City to control possession. Despite the territorial advantage, the home side struggled to create clear openings early on, although Antoine Semenyo fired a shot into the side netting to signal City’s attacking intent.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the half-hour mark. Rayan Cherki floated a delicate cross into the area, and Semenyo met it with a composed volley, registering his seventh goal since arriving in the January transfer window.
Forest respond with dramatic goals
Forest threatened occasionally on counterattacks before and after City’s opener. Morgan Gibbs-White saw a weak effort collected comfortably by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who later pushed away a low drive from Igor Jesus.
However, Forest equalised in the 56th minute through a moment of improvisation from their captain. After Igor Jesus headed the ball down, Gibbs-White produced a clever backheel that beat Donnarumma and brought the visitors level.
City quickly tried to regain control and did so from a set piece. Erling Haaland’s shot deflected off Murillo and looped onto the top of the net, and from the following corner Rodri headed home to restore the hosts’ advantage.
But Forest were not finished. With time running down, Anderson struck from around 25 yards, curling a superb shot into the net to earn his side a crucial point and keep them outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Arsenal extend advantage in title race
The result could prove significant in the battle at the top of the table. City twice led but failed to close out the match, allowing Arsenal to extend their advantage after their victory on the south coast.
Although Guardiola’s team have now gone 10 matches unbeaten in all competitions, dropping points against a Forest side struggling for form may prove costly in the long run.
Haaland returned to the starting line-up and had an early opportunity after rounding goalkeeper Matz Sels, but his effort only found the side-netting. Later he appeared to be caught by Sels while attempting another chance, though referee Darren England did not award a penalty and VAR Tony Harrington chose not to intervene.
Phil Foden also started the match, replacing the injured Nico O’Reilly, but his difficulties in front of goal continued as his run without scoring stretched to 17 games.
Bernardo Silva came close early in the second half when he weaved between defenders before sending a low effort towards the corner, only for Sels to produce a fine save.
City pushed hard in stoppage time. Semenyo curled a free-kick narrowly over the bar, while Savinho saw a shot cleared off the line by Murillo with the final action of the game.
Forest earn lifeline in relegation fight
Forest celebrated the draw but nearly claimed victory in added time. Anderson delivered a corner that Ryan Yates met at the near post, though the substitute directed his header just wide.
The point proved important for the visitors, especially after West Ham defeated Fulham earlier in the evening. Anderson’s goal ensured Forest avoided slipping into the relegation zone, although they remain dangerously close.
Despite the positive result, Forest have now gone six league matches without a win. Manager Vitor Pereira also continues to search for his first victory as a top-flight coach after 13 attempts this season.