Taiwo Awoniyi’s strike ends Arsenal title chase and seals Nottingham Forest survival

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal to see Nottingham Forest retained their status in the English Premier League following their 1-0 win over Arsenal at the City Ground on Saturday.

The Triky Tree needed a three more points in their last two games of the season to confirm their topflight status and they did enough to earn a win over the Gunners, ending the latter’s Premier League title dreams.

Awoniyi, who returned from long injury layoff three weeks ago was at the right place to receive Gibbs Whyte’s pass before poking home for Steve Cooper’s side following a misplaced pass by Arsenal captain Mrartin Odegaard.

The Super Eagles striker’s effort was his fifth goal in three matches for Forest, taking his season’s tally to 10 and one assist in all competitions.

Ultimately, Arsenal failed to find the firepower to get back into the game, meaning a title race they led for so long has ended in disappointment as Manchester City clinch a third consecutive Premier League crown.

It was also an emotional rollercoaster season with a happy ending for Forest as they secured topflight survival with a third consecutive win over the Gunners on their home ground with a game to spare.