Manchester City draws 2-2 against Nottingham Forest in major dent in Premier League title ambitions

Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson scored a late equalizer to shock Manchester City with a 2-2 draw on Wednesday, a result that left Pep Guardiola’s side dropping valuable points in the Premier League title race.

City were left frustrated in second place after failing to finish a match they largely controlled and now sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal after 29 games – although they still have a game in hand over the Gunners. Forest hover just above the drop zone in 17th place with 28 points.

Antoine Semenyo put City on the scoresheet in the 31st minute when he whipped in Rayan Cherki’s cross from the center of the penalty area.

Morgan Gibbs-White equalized in the 56th minute with a stunning back-heeled shot from close range through the legs of Ruben Dias and past the outstretched hands of Gianluigi ‌Donnarumma at the near post.

Rodri celebrated what he thought was the winner when he headed home from a corner for his first Premier League goal of the season in the 62nd minute.

But Anderson had the visiting fans in delight in the 76th minute when he curled a strike from 25 yards past Donnarumma.

City had 21 shots to Forest’s nine, and in the final few frantic minutes the fans at the Etihad Stadium shouted “shoot!” every time a City player came near the net.

They were obliged. City’s Savinho got the final kick of the match with a close-range shot that appeared to head towards the gaping net before defender Murillo cleared it off the line.

“A tough match, but with a lot of personality from my team,” said Forest boss Vitor Pereira. «It’s also important to come here and prove that we can get points anywhere… we can play good football and get points.»

City fans shouted for a penalty in stoppage time when Rodri put his shot wide of the net and was hit in the leg. A VAR check ruled there was no penalty.

Semenyo had a chance to secure all three points for City deep into stoppage time when he launched a free-kick, but Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Forest also missed a chance to score a late winner after Ryan Yates met Anderson’s corner at the near post but launched the ball just wide.

Published on March 5, 2026