Manchester City’s title charge hit a stumbling block at the Etihad Stadium as a resilient Nottingham Forest fought back twice to earn a 2–2 draw.
In a week where the spotlight remained firmly on the blue half of Manchester, Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo once again proved why he has become indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Despite his opening heroics, City were left to rue missed opportunities as the visitors snatched a hard-earned point.
The hosts dominated the early exchanges, and the pressure eventually told on 31 minutes.
Rayan Cherki, who ghosted through the midfield with ease, threaded a precision pass into the path of the oncoming Semenyo.
The forward timed his run to perfection, peeling off his marker before slotting a cool finish past the Forest goalkeeper.
It was a goal that epitomised Semenyo’s clinical form this season, marking his 15th Premier League strike of an extraordinary campaign.
City appeared to be cruising until the interval, but the second half brought a shift in momentum.
Forest emerged with renewed intent, and Morgan Gibbs-White stunned the Etihad crowd by firing home an equaliser shortly after the restart.
The champions responded with the grit of seasoned winners. In the 62nd minute, Rodri rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri, powering a towering header into the back of the net to restore the lead.
However, Vítor Pereira’s side refused to follow the script. In the 76th minute, former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi turned provider, cutting the ball back for Elliot Anderson to finish with composure and draw Forest level for a second time.
The final moments were played at a frantic pace. Deep into stoppage time, City were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Semenyo stepped up, looking to seal a brace and the three points, but his dipping effort whistled over the wall and clipped the roof of the net.
The forward has now made 27 appearances, netting 15 goals and providing 4 assists, cementing his status as a key figure in the City attack.
The result leaves City with plenty to ponder as the race for the Premier League trophy intensifies.
While Semenyo’s individual brilliance continues to shine, Guardiola will be concerned by his side’s inability to see out the game at home.
The Citizens now head to the capital for a challenging encounter against West Ham United. With the title race entering its most critical phase, every point is now under the microscope.
