Manchester City lost ground in the Premier League title race after being held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Nottingham Forest, allowing Arsenal to move seven points clear at the summit. Antoine Semenyo handed the hosts an advantage to carry into the interval, but Morgan Gibbs-White shocked City in the second period with a creative equaliser.

With ample time remaining, City fought their way back ahead as Rodri nodded home from a Rayan Ait-Nouri corner to restore their advantage. Nevertheless, Elliot Anderson fired home from distance to draw Forest level once more. City exerted pressure in the closing stages but were unable to regain their lead and drop a further two points behind Arsenal, having played one game less than the leaders. Express Sport rates and slates the City players…

Produced several solid stops to preserve City’s lead, and was helpless when he was deceived for the opener.

Failed to contribute sufficiently in attack when in possession and was also somewhat careless with his defensive duties.

Inaccurate with a surprising number of his passes forward and required Dias to provide cover at times, with Anderson enjoying plenty of room for his equalising strike.

Could arguably feel unfortunate given how unforeseen the deflection was from Gibbs-White, and was outstanding apart from that.

Covered the ground effectively and delivered an excellent corner for Rodri to convert from. An integral component of the squad.

Netted a powerful header but at times found it difficult to match the swift Forest midfield and failed to clear when Anderson found the net.

Energetic throughout and came close to scoring when he forced a fine save from Sels in the second period.

City’s standout performer, providing the assist for Semenyo’s goal and delivering numerous inviting passes throughout the match that weren’t converted.

Performed in patches but was unable to truly impact proceedings and was withdrawn following the equaliser.

Yet another start, yet another crucial goal. It was superbly executed but he found it challenging to remain influential in the match.

He didn’t appear as razor-sharp as he can be following his recent injury and couldn’t fashion any clear-cut opportunities.

Substitutes

Jeremy Doku (for Foden, 77) – 6

Couldn’t receive the ball whilst facing the Forest goal.

Abdukodir Khusanov (for Ait-Nouri, 77) – 6

Settled in at right-back.

Savinho (for Cherki, 82) – 6