Nottingham Forest are SAFE from relegation and in the process END Arsenal’s title bid to crown Man City the Premier League champions.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s strike against the Gunners on the 19th minute had quite the impact at both ends of the table on what was the penultimate weekend of top flight action for many.
The Forest forward slotted in the 19th minute at the City Ground after a sloppy Martin Odegaard pass towards Morgan Gibbs-White.
The ex-Wolves midfielder played Awoniyi into play to score from close range and give Steve Cooper’s side a valuable lead.
Forest now sit 16th with 37 points, four points ahead Everton (17th) and one game left.
Awoniyi’s goal – his fifth in three matches – had a greater impact at the top of the table.
Manchester City win their third successive Premier League title if they beat Cooper’s team.
The Citizens would have just been ecstatic if Arsenal were to draw at Forest, since they would only need one point in their final three games, but a Forest win is more than they expected.
Pat Nevin (Former Scotland winger on BBC Radio 5 Live): “You could see it building up from 40-50 yards until Gibbs-White played it through.
“If the Ramsdale reads it there, he may come out a bit quicker. But when he eventually gets there he is only seven yards out.
“A bit fortunate with the bounce that went in his favour when he ran into Gabriel, but he won’t care. A great finish from Awoniyi.
“It really doesn’t look like a 1-0 game, it really doesn’t. And it doesn’t feel like it.
“Two teams are going to attack each other, and could get lots of goals.
“Problem for Arsenal is that they already look vulnerable to the counter attack.”
Simon Stone (BBC Sport at the City Ground): “A lot of eyebrows were raised when Forest spent £25m plus add-ons to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolves in the summer.
“But Gibbs-White has really hit top form over the last few weeks and he got his timing just right to set up Taiwo Awoniyi for the goal.
“Have Arsenal the desire to come back.
“There is a lot riding on this game at both ends of the table.”
Awoniyi gives Forest the lead! 😲 pic.twitter.com/IZDRlMIZHs
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2023
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports: “The roof has come off!! Awoniyi has been on fire these last few weeks and what a difference he has made.
“At first I thought he had overplayed it, but it is all about the timing and it is a tackled goal, but who cares?
“What we are seeing now is going to be the nature of the game, with Forest sitting back in that 5-4-1 and Arsenal trying to break it down and Forest relying on their attacking players.”
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright: “Forest with 18 per cent of the possession and a pass success rate of only 44 per cent, but they have taken their chance and are content to sit back and frustrate Arsenal. It’s working.”
The game was all too comfortable for Forest, no fight from Arsenal. And the full time whistle blew.
Victory secures safety fr Steve Cooper’s side, Premier League status for another season, and what fight they have shown these last few weeks.
“Manchester City are champions of England and Nottingham Forest will be competing alongside them next season!” 👏 pic.twitter.com/IiAorhVsHo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2023
Manchester City are Premier League champions 2022/23! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/6HJzDEoUfE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2023
🗣️ “I’ve said this before, it’s the best crowd and best fans in the league by a country mile!”
Joe Worrall and Morgan Gibbs-White react after Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal 1-0 and confirm their Premier League safety 🌳 pic.twitter.com/rON4Y73tRD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 20, 2023
Pat Nevin: “They cared. Everybody cared around here. The players cared so much. Look at the people and listen to the noise around here. It’s not just today, it’s not just this moment.
“There have been plenty of other moments where they have got behind their team and pushed them, pulled them and dragged them over the line. You cannot argue against the fact that Nottingham Forest deserve to be in this Premier League next season.
“Well done to them.”
Simon Stone: “Apart from the Arsenal section, the stands are full at the City Ground.
“The players are all on the pitch, manager Steve Cooper is still there.
“There is going to be a big party in Nottingham tonight.”
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan: “To have helped the club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special. The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is.
“This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.
“I would also like to thank Pep [Guardiola], all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.
“To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stand for and ensures the club will continue to strive for success going forward.
“It has been a season I will never forget. Our amazing fans have been with us every single step of the way. Without their amazing backing I don’t think there is any way we would have been able to achieve what we have done these past six seasons. Their passion and support have been so important and inspirational for us all.
“Hopefully winning the Premier League title again is a fitting way for us to say thank you to our fans.”
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