In a thrilling Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, relegation-battling Nottingham Forest twice came from behind to secure a valuable 2–2 draw against title-chasing Manchester City on March 4, 2026. Nigerian internationals Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played key roles in Forest’s resilient display, helping the visitors earn a crucial point in their fight to avoid relegation.
Despite dominating possession with 69% of the ball and outshooting Forest 21–9, Manchester City were unable to convert their control into victory, as defensive lapses allowed the visitors to capitalize at key moments.
City took the lead in the 31st minute when Antoine Semenyo produced a stunning volley from a cross delivered by Rayan Cherki. The strike marked Semenyo’s 15th Premier League goal of the season, giving the home side a deserved advantage after sustained pressure.
Forest, however, responded strongly after the break. In the 56th minute, Morgan Gibbs-White restored parity, finishing a well-worked move that began with a powerful run down the right flank by Aina. The Nigerian’s attacking surge led to a headed knockdown from Igor Jesus before Gibbs-White calmly slotted home.
City quickly reasserted themselves when Rodri fired the hosts back in front in the 62nd minute, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box that left the Forest defense with little chance.
Yet Forest refused to fold. In the 76th minute, midfielder Elliot Anderson produced a superb right-footed effort from distance to level the match once again, with Callum Hudson-Odoi providing the assist.
Late drama followed as Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels received a yellow card in stoppage time for time-wasting, as the visitors held firm under intense pressure to secure the draw.
Aina, deployed as a right wing-back in Forest’s 5-3-2 system, delivered an industrious performance across the full 90 minutes. The Nigerian defender recorded three tackles and one chance created while also playing a direct role in the buildup to Gibbs-White’s equalizer. Despite facing relentless attacking waves from City, he maintained a solid defensive presence.
Awoniyi, meanwhile, entered the match in the 79th minute as a substitute for Igor Jesus. Though limited to an 11-minute cameo, the Super Eagles striker provided added physicality up front and helped Forest relieve pressure in the closing stages.
After the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed frustration with his side’s inability to secure all three points.
“What happened this season is impossible,” Guardiola said, referencing City’s defensive lapses and dropped points.
“We did everything again. We didn’t concede much, and we had the chances at the end especially.”
The result leaves City seven points behind league leaders Arsenal FC with nine games remaining, dealing a significant blow to their title ambitions.
For Nottingham Forest, the draw moves them up to 17th place with 28 points from 28 matches, just above the relegation zone. With rivals West Ham United also picking up points on the same day, Forest’s battle for survival remains intense.
Forest’s starting lineup featured Sels in goal; Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos, and Neco Williams in defense; Nicolás Domínguez, Ismaël Sangaré, and Anderson in midfield; and Gibbs-White supporting Igor Jesus, who was later replaced by Awoniyi.
The spirited performance highlights the unpredictable nature of the Premier League and keeps Nottingham Forest’s hopes of avoiding relegation very much alive.
