Premier League: Manchester City stumble hands Arsenal title initiative
Manchester City faltered in the Premier League title chase on Wednesday, squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Despite dominating possession and registering 21 shots, City’s defensive fragility proved costly.
Antoine Semenyo and Rodri put the hosts ahead on two separate occasions, but Morgan Gibbs-White with a sublime backheel and Elliot Anderson with a stunning curler pegged them back both times.
The dropped points leave City seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who capitalized by grinding out a 1-0 win at Brighton.
Although Guardiola’s side hold a game in hand, they have now surrendered a staggering 13 points from winning positions this season; a worrying trend that could swing momentum firmly toward the relentless Gunners of Mikel Arteta.
Adding to the frustration of City was a rejected penalty appeal when Erling Haaland went down under contact from goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Captain Bernardo Silva voiced his displeasure, suggesting 50-50 decisions have consistently gone against them this term.
Guardiola, however, refused to blame the officials. “We have to do it much better so the officials don’t intervene,” he insisted, focusing instead on his team’s failure to kill off the game. With the title race tightening, City’s inability to manage leads is now a glaring problem.
