City Stumble in EPL Title Race After Forest Hold Champions
Manchester City’s English Premier League (EPL) title defence faltered at Etihad in Manchester, England, as a resilient Nottingham Forest twice fought back to secure a 2-2 draw on Wednesday, 4 March.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side seven points adrift of EPL leaders Arsenal, who defeated Brighton during the same evening.
Antoine Semenyo gave City a first-half lead with a clinical volley, but Morgan Gibbs-White equalised after the break with an instinctive backheel. Although Rodri’s header briefly restored the advantage, Elliot Anderson’s superb 25-yard strike snatched a vital point for the visitors.
The match was mired in controversy after Erling Haaland was denied a penalty. Refuting the decision, Bernardo Silva told an international publication: “All the 50-50s have gone against us. It’s the reality I’ve just watched the Erling incident. For me, it’s a penalty.”
Despite dominating possession, City have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this season. Guardiola remained pragmatic, stating, “Today we played in general good for 90 minutes,” but acknowledged the mounting pressure.
While Forest remain winless under Vitor Pereira, this spirited display keeps them outside the relegation zone on goal difference. City now turn their attention to the Football Association Cup, trailing an ascending Arsenal.
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