EPL: Man City Held to 2-2 Draw by Nottingham Forest at Etihad

Man City drop points to Forest at home

Manchester City's title hopes take a hit as they drop points to Nottingham Forest at home, slipping seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League standings.

City fell short against Forest, despite pushing hard for a late winner...

Manchester City's title hopes took a hit as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium. The Cityzens, who had won 16 of their last 19 Premier League games at home, surrendered a two-goal lead, allowing Forest to snatch a point.

Antoine Semenyo put City ahead in the 31st minute with a powerful strike, but Morgan Gibbs-White equalized for Forest just before halftime with a stunning back-heeled shot. Rodri restored City's lead in the 62nd minute, heading home from a corner, but Elliot Anderson's 76th-minute strike leveled the game for Forest.

This draw sees City slip seven points behind title rivals Arsenal, although they still have a game in hand. Forest, meanwhile, move to 28 points, hovering just above the drop zone in 17th.

🔴 @NFFC twice come from behind to hold Man City at the Etihad pic.twitter.com/QL5bz7gWES

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 4, 2026

Nottingham Forest navigated the opening 20 minutes without trouble, despite a scare that was expertly contained by Donnarumma, who saved a weak effort from Gibbs-White.

The hosts continued to push, and their pressure paid off in the 31st minute: Antoine Semenyo scored his 15th PL goal, expertly volleying home from Rayan Cherki’s delivery.

City looked to press home their advantage before half-time, as Erling Haaland uncharacteristically failed to convert having rounded Matz Sels, while at the other end, Igor Jesus saw a low drive thwarted by Donnarumma.

Pep Guardiola’s side had conceded 18 of their 25 PL goals in the second half of games, and after Bernardo Silva and Cherki wasted good chances to double the hosts’ lead, Forest drew level with a moment of individual brilliance.

Ola Aina's cross was cleverly headed back by Jesus to Gibbs-White, who unleashed an audacious backheel past Dias and Donnarumma.

City responded instantly, regaining the lead six minutes later through Rodri's header from Aït-Nouri's corner.

Determined to avoid a sixth away PL defeat in eight games, Forest refused to lie down without a fight heading into the final 20 minutes.

Vítor Pereira’s men sensed an opportunity, and their attacking intent paid dividends when Elliot Anderson played a one-two with Callum Hudson-Odoi before curling a sublime strike.

A match-saving block from Murillo to end @NFFC v @ManCity! 😮 pic.twitter.com/UAmt1ma2oZ

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 5, 2026

City fell short against Forest, despite pushing hard for a late winner. Bernardo Silva's effort was blocked agonizingly close to the end, mirroring the frustration felt by Guardiola's men. Arsenal's lead at Brighton meant this was a crucial game for City, but they couldn't quite get the result.

The 2-2 draw leaves City seven points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand. Forest, meanwhile, narrowly avoids the relegation zone, sitting just above the drop on goal difference.