Arsenal remain top after wasteful Man City punished by Forest at death

Man City's title hopes took a major hit after drawing with Nottingham Forest in a game they dominated from start to finish. Rodri and Gundogan had the best chances in the first half before Bernardo Silva gave City the lead just before the break with a thunderbolt. It was more of the same in the second half, but City spurned many chances. In the end, they were punished as Forest levelled in the 84th minute through Chris Wood. Pep Guardiola's side will be kicking themselves as they should have been out of sight against a Forest side well before they conceded.

The Premier League champions started the game with more than 90% possession and Forest were penned in their own penalty area. Despite having plenty of ball and territory, City were only able to muster shots off target in the first half an hour. That changed before the break though as Rodri headed wide of the post from close range after playing a one-two with Kevin de Bruyne. 

Gundogan also had an effort and then Bernardo Silva struck just before half-time after Foden's corner was half-cleared by Jonjo Shelvey to Jack Grealish and he laid off for Bernardo Silva to hit a central, but powerful strike past the goalkeeper. It was the perfect way for Man City to go in at half-time and their dominance continued in the second half.

 

February 18, 2023

Man City missed some guilt edged chances as Foden should have scored, but he was too unselfish and his pass to Foden was a poor one. Then, Aymeric Laporte got a free header three yards out from a corner, but his header was straight at the goalkeeper. Then, Erling Haaland of all people struck the crossbar from six yards out and somehow hit wide on the rebound when it was easier to miss than score. Guardiola, who was booked for protesting, saw his team miss several other opportunities such as when Ilkay Gundogan's free-kick was tipped over the bar with 15 minutes to go.

Nottingham Forest, who had played just to defend from the very beginning, brought on Toffolo and Wood for Aurier and Lodi with 10 minutes to play and struck gold. With six minutes to play, Johnson ran forward and laid off to Gibbs-White and his square pass was tapped in by Chris Wood. Forest scored with their first shot on target to send the home fans ecstatic. 

The visitors brought on Julian Alvarez at the death to try and restore City's lead, but the hopeful balls into the box were dealt with by Forest's defence. It was a huge blow for Man City after Arsenal had beaten Aston Villa earlier on Saturday and they will have to pick themselves up ahead of the Champions League last 16 game with Leipzig on Wednesday. As for Forest, their tactics paid off and clinical finishing got them a point.