Manchester City saw their Premier League title hopes take a major hit as they twice surrendered the lead to struggling Nottingham Forest in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves City seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

City, who had won 16 of their last 19 home league games (D2, L1), dominated possession early on, though Forest offered a warning when Antoine Semenyo’s powerful strike rattled the side netting. Morgan Gibbs-White also came close, only to be denied by a sharp Gianluigi Donnarumma save.

The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Semenyo capitalised on Rayan Cherki’s delivery, volleying home to net his 15th Premier League goal of the season. City pushed to extend their lead before half-time, with Erling Haaland failing to convert after rounding Matz Sels, and Igor Jesus’s low shot also stopped by Donnarumma.

However, City’s vulnerability in the second half—having conceded 18 of their 25 league goals after the break—was exposed again. Forest equalised in spectacular fashion as Ola Aina’s cross was flicked on by Jesus to Gibbs-White, who backheeled the ball through Ruben Dias’ legs past a stunned Donnarumma.

City responded quickly, reclaiming the lead just six minutes later when Rodri rose to head home Rayan Aït-Nouri’s inswinging corner. But Forest, determined to avoid a sixth away defeat in eight games, pushed back fiercely. Elliot Anderson combined with Callum Hudson-Odoi before curling a brilliant 20-yard strike into the bottom corner to level the scores once more.

With Arsenal winning at Brighton, City desperately sought a late winner, but Bernardo Silva’s effort was blocked in the dying moments. The draw leaves City seven points behind the Gunners, while Forest remain just above the relegation zone on goal difference.