Pep Guardiola insisted the Premier League title race is far from over after Manchester City were held to a surprising 2–2 draw by struggling Nottingham Forest.

City twice took the lead at the Etihad Stadium but were unable to hold on, as goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri were cancelled out by Morgan Gibbs-White and later Elliot Anderson.

The champions almost snatched victory in dramatic fashion when Savinho saw his effort cleared off the line by Murillo with the final kick of the game, compounding the hosts’ frustration.

Dropping points against Forest was damaging enough, but the news from the south coast proved even worse for Guardiola’s men. A 1–0 victory for Arsenal at Brighton & Hove Albion moved the league leaders seven points clear at the top of the table.

The Gunners now have the title destiny firmly in their hands as they pursue their first English league crown since 2004. Although City still have a game in hand — and host Arsenal at the Etihad in April — Guardiola will be frustrated that his team once again lost control of a match after taking the lead.

It was another costly second-half slip, taking City’s total number of points dropped from winning positions this season to 13.

Despite the setback, Guardiola remains confident his side can still chase down Arsenal during the final stretch of the campaign.

“Still many games to play, them one less,” Guardiola said.

“There are games where we don’t deserve it. Today we played in general good for 90 minutes.

“It’s not about this action or that action. In general, when we analyse the game, the game was well played.”

The City manager also declined to criticise officials after a late penalty appeal involving Erling Haaland, who went down after knocking the ball past Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. The decision was checked and cleared by VAR.

“Always I believe we have to do it much better to make sure the officials don’t intervene,” Guardiola said.

“It’s our responsibility to be better. If we have to rely on them it’s impossible. Nothing more to say.

“In the end we created a lot against a team that is really defensive.

“We were dynamic. We missed maybe more contact with Erling — his incredible movements — we have to look for him a bit more, but in general it was well played.”

While momentum in the title race currently lies with Arsenal, Guardiola’s immediate focus has already shifted to upcoming cup competitions.

City face Newcastle United in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend before turning their attention to a blockbuster UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg clash against Real Madrid.

“The feeling is we have one game less to play,” Guardiola said when asked about the title race.

“Now it is Newcastle — always the thought is about what’s next.”