Manchester City were left frustrated at the Etihad Stadium after being held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest in Round 29 of the Premier League, despite another electrifying performance from in-form forward Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghanaian star, who has been in sensational touch since joining City, opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a brilliant close-range volley. The goal came from a perfectly weighted cross by Rayan Cherki, giving the home side a deserved 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
City looked comfortable for much of the first half, controlling possession and creating chances. However, the second half brought a dramatic shift. Morgan Gibbs-White equalised for Forest in the 56th minute, taking advantage of a rare defensive lapse from the City backline.
The home crowd barely had time to settle before Rodri restored City’s lead with a powerful header in the 62nd minute, nodding in from a well-delivered set-piece.
Despite pushing hard for a third goal and dominating large periods, City could not find the decisive breakthrough. Nottingham Forest kept pressing and eventually earned their reward late on, securing a share of the points with a second equaliser that left the Etihad stunned.
The draw means City drop valuable points in the title race, while Forest will feel they earned a hard-fought result against one of the league’s strongest sides.
Head coach Pep Guardiola praised Semenyo’s contribution but admitted his side should have done better defensively.
“Antoine was excellent again — his goal was top class and he gave everything,” Guardiola said after the match. “We created enough to win the game, but we made mistakes at the back and paid for them. It’s disappointing to drop points at home, but we keep going.”
Semenyo’s goal and constant threat up front once more highlighted why he has become such a key figure for City this season. The 25-year-old has now contributed significantly in goals and assists across multiple competitions, showing no signs of slowing down.
For Forest, the result is a valuable point on the road and a sign of their growing resilience under their current management.
