Sports

Gunners’ Title Hopes dashed as Awoniyi secures Forest’s premier league survival


Arsenal suffered their second consecutive defeat, dealing a blow to Mikel Arteta’s team as they remain four points behind City with just one game remaining.

The winning goal by Taiwo Awoniyi in the match had significant implications at the lower end of the table, securing Forest’s safety from relegation in their first season back in the top flight after 23 years.

City’s title triumph could mark the beginning of a potential treble, with Pep Guardiola’s side set to face Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final.

Throughout the season, Arsenal had posed a strong challenge to the defending champions but faltered in the crucial final months, winning only two of their last eight games. This allowed City to comfortably secure the title with three games to spare.

During the match at the City Ground, the visitors struggled to make an impact and failed to create scoring opportunities, while the spirited atmosphere buoyed Forest in their fight for survival.

Arteta’s decision to field an experimental back four, devoid of recognized full-backs, backfired early on, conceding a goal within the first 20 minutes.

Morgan Gibbs-White played a central role in Forest’s resurgence after their slow start to the season, and he set up Awoniyi for the decisive goal, marking his fifth goal in three games against Aaron Ramsdale.

Following their goal, Forest adopted a defensive approach to protect their lead, leaving Arsenal a mere shadow of the vibrant and youthful team that impressed in the initial months of the campaign. Their closest chance at an equalizer came from Bukayo Saka’s tame shot, easily saved by Keylor Navas.

With the second-youngest squad in the Premier League, Arteta’s team seemed to have run out of steam while City maintained their exceptional form, going unbeaten in 23 games across all competitions, including a 4-1 victory over Arsenal in their recent top-of-the-table clash.

Meanwhile, Forest’s six-point cushion above the relegation zone ensures that either Everton, Leeds, or Leicester will join Southampton in the Championship next season.
1 year ago
Adeyinka Arutu

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