Manchester City clinched the Premier League title after Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, who secured their place in the top-flight in impressive fashion.
Arsenal had dominated the league throughout the season and held the top position for 248 days with an eight-point lead over City in March.
A significant decline in their performance allowed Guardiola’s determined team to overtake them.
Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi scored the solitary goal in the first half at a lively City Ground, guaranteeing City their fifth title in six seasons with three games remaining.
The Citizens had to wait for a few weeks to celebrate their Premier League triumph, as Arsenal’s recent poor form continued.
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The Gunners have struggled towards the end of the season and managed to win only two of their last eight league matches. They have however secured the second-place and will enter the final game of the season next week as confirmed runners-up.
Forest’s victory over Arsenal was a significant achievement for the club as it ensured their survival in the Premier League against all expectations. It was a memorable and pivotal day for Forest.
For a significant portion of the season, Forest appeared destined for relegation back to the Championship, especially when they endured an 11-game winless streak that extended into late April.
The impressive goal-scoring form of Awoniyi, who scored five goals in three games helped turn their fortunes around. Under the tutelage of Steve Cooper, Forest climbed out of the relegation zone and secured their Premier League survival. Their position is now safe, and they cannot be caught by Southampton, Leicester, or Everton.
Cooper’s success in leading Forest to safety is commendable, and it reflects the trust place in him by the club during their difficult period. His reputation as a manager continues to grow.
Earlier in the day, Everton’s draw against Wolves meant that Forest knew a victory in their game would guarantee their safety.
Bouyed by a passionate home crowd eager to witness their team secure survival in familiar surroundings where they had accumulated numerous points throughout the season, they made a strong start and kept Arsenal at bay.
And as the game progressed, the Gunners began to assert contol, and Jesus had a chance denied by Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who quickly smothered the ball. Jesus also headed over the crossbar at the far post.
The City Ground erupted in the 19th minute as Forest capitalized on a swift counter-attack. Odegaard’s loose pass was intercepted by Gibbs-White, who swiftly advanced and then played a pass to Awoniyi who got some luck as Gabriel’s challenge caused the ball to bobble against his leg, but he managed to scuff it past Ramsdale and into the net.
Arsenal struggled to break down Forest’s defence in the first half. Attempts from Trossard and Jesus lacked precision, missing the target without troubling Keylor Navas.
Forest managed to maintain their lead going into halftime and came close to extending it early in the second half. Renan Lodi’s cross found Felipe whose close-range shot was blocked.
Arsenal continued to have possession but struggled to create meaningful chances. Saka had a promising moment when he was played through but he shot straight at Keylor Navas.
In contrast, Forest were the ones pushing for a second goal. Gibbs-White had a good opportunity but found the side-netting after taking advantage of Ben White’s slip. Lodi also missed the target with a drilled shot.
The hosts started to adopt a more defensive approach in the final 15 minutes therefore inviting pressure from Arsenal.
The nerves were running high for Forest who have a record of conceding the most goals in the final 15 minutes of the match. Every tackle, block, and clearance by Forest was met with cheers from the crowd, sounding as loud as a goal.
Forest had an opportunity to make the ending less tense for themselves when Gibbs-White fired a shot straight at Ramsdale. However, Arsenal’s lackluster attacking display allowed Forest to hold on and secure survival, triggering jubilant celebrations among the players and fans alike.
