Nottingham Forest’s Premier League survival hopes were strengthened by a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, who continued to struggle on the road, but Arsenal continue to surge.
Forest put on another strong showing against one of the big boys after defeating Liverpool and Tottenham at the City Ground this season.
Raheem Sterling’s opener came against the grain of the game, but they put up a strong second-half performance that was rewarded with Serge Aurier’s equaliser just after the hour.
On the whole, Steve Cooper’s team should have won since Morgan Gibbs-White hit the crossbar, but this will give them great motivation to avoid the drop this year.
“He [Cooper] just said ‘believe in yourselves more’ – the first 20 minutes we were too passive we gave them way too much respect,” said Forest captain Ryan Yates. “We were a goal behind and we needed to give the fans something to get out of their seats for.
“We were quite tired towards the end we put so much into that first 60 minutes but we’re pleased. We still need to be better we’re not happy with always drawing games at home but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Prior to their matchup in what might be a title-deciding match, Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to extend their Premier League lead over one another.
With a 4-2 victory against Brighton, the Gunners have a commanding seven-point lead over City, who drew 1-1 with Everton at home.
The Gunners’ winning streak has already reached a league-best five games thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Martinelli, and the team is showing no signs of post-World Cup problems.
That form has persisted despite the absence of crucial summer acquisition Gabriel Jesus, while Man City are still losing games despite having an inspired and well-rested Erling Haaland.
Home matches against Wolves and Aston Villa, both of which have improved under their new Spanish managers Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery, are also included in City’s seven-game league run.
Arsenal will face Newcastle next in a highly difficult matchup as they prepare for the City clash on February 15 by playing matches against Tottenham on the road and Manchester United at home as well.