Man City title bid rocked by Forest draw

Manchester Citys push for the Premier League crown took a serious hit after an unexpected 2-2 stalemate with struggling Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

Under Pep Guardiola, the team let slip their advantage twice at the Etihad Stadium, with strikes from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri matched by efforts from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson.

Savinhos attempt was blocked off the line by Murillo right at the end, adding to the hosts disappointment.

Not securing victory against Forest was troubling, but the update from the south coast proved even more damaging, as Arsenal claimed a 1-0 triumph over Brighton, putting the title beyond Citys grasp.

Arsenal now lead by seven points and hold their fate, aiming for their first English title since 2004.

City possess an extra fixture against the Gunners, scheduled for April at the Etihad, yet Guardiola must lament yet another match where his players faltered after the break.

Sitting fourth from the bottom, Forest remain winless in the league since Vitor Pereira took charge, though this display suggests they could avoid relegation.

City began strongly, breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute.

Rayan Cherki moved into the penalty area and delivered a cross for Semenyo, who adapted neatly to volley beyond Matz Sels from 10 yards.

This marked his fifth goal in eight Premier League outings following his transfer from Bournemouth.

Bernardo Silva drew a fine stop from Sels soon after the restart, and Cherki missed high, but City were stunned when Forest equalised in the 56th minute.

The goal arrived unexpectedly, with Ola Aina breaking free and crossing from the right after speeding past Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Igor Jesus headed down near the post, allowing Gibbs-White to flick the ball past City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a clever backheel.

City responded swiftly, regaining the edge in the 62nd minute.

While Arsenal often depend on set pieces in their campaign, here City profited as Rodri advanced for a corner and powered in a header from Ait-Nouris delivery.

Forest protested that Sels had been obstructed, but the referee waved away their appeals.

Still, City failed to seal the deal, and they were punished in the 76th minute.

Anderson linked up with Callum Hudson-Odoi before bending a fine shot into the far corner from distance, leaving Guardiola in shock.