“Still many games to play, for them [Arsenal] one less, and now it’s Newcastle,” said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after his team drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2026.
The match was pivotal for Manchester City, who dropped two crucial points in their pursuit of the Premier League title, now trailing Arsenal by seven points. Nottingham Forest, who had not scored on their previous three visits to the Etihad since their promotion in 2022, managed to secure a draw with two well-timed goals.
Manchester City took the lead with a goal from Rodri, who scored a header from a corner. However, Nottingham Forest responded with a brilliant back-heel finish from Morgan Gibbs-White, leveling the score.
City regained the lead shortly after, with Rayan Cherki assisting Antoine Semenyo’s goal. Yet, Nottingham Forest equalized again with a stunning curling shot from 25 yards by Elliot Anderson, just 13 minutes before the final whistle.
Vitor Pereira, the Nottingham Forest manager, praised his team’s performance, stating, “It was a tough game but we showed a lot of personality,” and added, “We waited for the right moments to hurt them.”
The draw leaves Manchester City with a game in hand, but the pressure is mounting as they prepare for their upcoming FA Cup fifth round match against Newcastle on March 7, 2026.
As the season progresses, the implications of this draw will be closely watched, especially with Arsenal maintaining a significant lead in the title race.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or player changes following the match. Fans will be eager to see how both teams adjust in their upcoming fixtures.
