Nottingham Forest - Arsenal summary: Awoniyi, score, goals and highlights | Premier League 22/23
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: As it happened
Nottingham Forest's 1-0 win over Arsenal secures their Premier League survival on a decisive day in the 2022/23 season.
The Gunners knew that they needed to win at the City Ground to keep any faint hopes of a title challenge alive but they went behind in the first half. Morgan Gibbs-White pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and released Taiwo Awoniyi to score his fifth goal in three games.
The home support was bouncing as Steve Cooper's side battled hard for the crucial three points that they needed to ensure survival.
Arsenal had around 80% of the possession but struggled to break down the resolute Forest backline. As the minutes ticked away the atmosphere at the City Ground only grew louder and the final whistle was greeted with cheers of jubilation as Forest's safety was mathematically secured.
Away from the midlands, Arsenal's loss sees Manchester City crowned champions for the third successive season. Pep Guardiola's men will get a guard of honour from Chelsea when they play on Sunday.
Arsenal fall just short in quest for the title
Heartbreak for Arsenal at the end of a season that has seen them overperform all expectations. The Gunners have broken the record for the most days at the top of the table without going on to win the Premier League.
An unwelcome distinction, perhaps, but one that really highlights how well this young side have performed this season. The question now is whether Mikel Arteta's team can push on next year.
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Arsenal's 1-0 loss at the City Ground has had huge repercussions at both ends of the table! Nottingham Forest secured Premier League survival with that gritty victory against the Gunners.
At the top, Arsenal's defeat means that Manchester City are confirmed champions for a third consecutive season. Here's everything you need to know about their title...
Nottingham Forest secure Premier League survival
What an effort from Steve Cooper to confirm Forest's Premier League status for another season, and with a game to spare!
City Ground rejoices!
What an atmosphere in Nottingham as Steve Cooper's side secure Premier League survival with a huge victory over Arsenal.
Taiwo Awoniyi's first half strike was enough to secure the three points and the City Ground is bouncing at the end of Forest's final home fixture of the season.
They looked dead and buried a few months ago, Cooper's side have pulled off a great escape!
And there we go!
After a tense ending, Forest close out to win a crucial three points.
Away from the City Ground, Manchester City are crowned champions without kicking a ball.
Phew...
Forest subtitution
Wayne Hennessy replaces Navas for the final seconds.
Keylor Nevas claims an Arsenal cross and that could be that!
The former Madrid man is down receiving treatment but that will surely be enough to secure the three points for Forest and the Premier League title for Manchester City.
A wild shot from Martin Odegaard goes well off-target and the Forest fans cheer with delight. Two minutes remaining, surely they can see it out now.
Chance! Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White jinks through the Arsenal backline and fires a shot at goal. It's a fine effort but Ramsdale is equal.
More time used up, however, and Arsenal are looking resigned to their fate now.
Forest fans cheers as an overhit cross goes out for a goal kick, giving their backline some well-needed respite. Steve Cooper bounds across the technical area, rallying his troops for the final few minutes.
Have Manchester City won the Premier League?
Not quite, but they are not far away now.
Arsenal need a win here to keep any vaguely realistic hopes of overcoming Guardiola's side. Even if they equalise now they would need a huge goal difference swing to overtake City.
It's win or bust for Arsenal now. Four minutes of normal time remaining at the City Ground.
Mikel Arteta stands, arms folded, in the technical area as the Gunners struggle to prise open this resolute Forest defence. Arsenal fullbacks Tierney and Partey are pushing right on now and the visitors have six players lined up along the Forest box.
Arsenal win a free kick on the halfway line but Fabio Viera is down injured.
Nottingham Forest win a throw in in the corner of the Arsenal half and Ryan Yates turns to the crowd, rallying the supporters for the final push. The volume increases yet again.
Ten minutes of normal time remaining, Arsenal haven't mustered a single clear-cut chance this half.
Forest substitution
It's a double change for the hosts, scorer Taiwo Awoniyi and Renan Lodi are withdrawn. Brennan Johnson and Willy Boly enter the fray.
Gabriel Maghalaes
The Arsenal defender is booked for a clumsy challenge on Morgan Gibbs-White on the halfway line. Tempers flare in the aftermath and it take a few moments to cool the situation.
That'll suit Forest nicely.
Arsenal now have just 15 minutes to keep their title dream alive. Mikel Arteta has no more attacking options at his disposal on the bench and they are really struggling to break down a resolute Forest backline.
The City Ground crowd is in great voice as their side look to secure a crucial three points in their quest for survival.
Forest substitution
A first change for the hosts as Danillo is replaced by Cheikhou Kouyate.
Arsenal substitution
Another change for the Gunners sees Leandro Trossard withdrawn, replaced by Fabio Viera. Not entirely sure how he'll fit into Arsenal five-man front line, Arsenal just need to get bodies forward now.
Close! Jorginho
The Arsenal man runs onto a loose ball around 25 yards from goal. The ball is bouncing but the Italian takes on the shot, firing just over the top corner.
Chance! Nottingham Forest
That could have bee decisive!
A poor pass from Partey allows Gibbs-White to sneak in behind the Arsenal defence, but his right footed shot is fired just wide of the target. Arsenal are starting to take some risks now, and Forest may get more chances.
Another look at the Arsenal team after that brace of changes from Arteta...
Ramsdale; Partey, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Jorginho; Jesus, Trossard, Odegaard, Saka; Nketiah
It looks like Partey is playing as more of a fixed presence on the right, leaving a quartet of Jesus, Trossard, Odegaard and Saka behind Nketiah.
Attacking stuff from Arteta!
Arsenal substitution
Eddie Nketiah and Kieran Tierney come on for Arsenal, replacing Kiwor and Xhaka for the final half an hour.
It looks like Arteta's back three experiment has ended, with Tierney slotting in at left back to make a flat back four. Nketiah goes up top and Jesus shifts to the left.
Chance! Arsenal
A Bukayo Saka corner is half-cleared by Forest and falls to Jorginho just inside the box. The Italian slashes at the ball and his effort flies wide of the target, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Gabriel Jesus
The Arsenal striker goes down in the box from a pretty soft touch from a Forest defender. The referee waves away Jesus' protestations but as the Brazilian continues his appeal he is shown a yellow card for dissent.
The Gunners need to keep their heads here.
For any Manchester City fans in attendance, if Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal Pep Guardiola's side will be confirmed as Premier League champions.
If today's game ends in a draw then City won't quite be mathematically assured of the title, but Arsenal would need a huge goal difference swing to overtake City.
Even if Arsenal can turn this around to win, City can lift the title with a victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
Let's see what Mikel Arteta's side can manage in the remaining 40 minutes here...
Chance! Forest
It could be two! A clever dinked cross from Morgan Gibbs-White isn't fully cleared and the ball ends up at the feet of Renan Lodi in the six yard box. His poked effort is cleared for a Forest corner.
Ramsdale claims the resultant corner.
And we're back!
Second half underway at the City Ground, a crucial 45 minutes in Nottingham Forest's quest to secure their Premier League status.
Not only that, if the score stays like this Manchester City will officially be crowned champions.
Attacking duo combine for Forest
The hosts have not shown too much attacking intent against Arsenal, but they were absolutely clinical when an opportunity came their way. The goal, coming after 20 minutes, was a brilliant combination from Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi.
The midfielder pounced on a loose ball in the midfield and found the run of Awoniyi, bearing down on the Gunners' goal. He got a bit of luck with a deflection from the covering defender but the ball found its way to the back of the net.
The duo have had to shoulder the lion's share of Forest's attacking responsibilities today, but have done so admirably.
Taiwo Awoniyi makes the difference for Forest
When it comes down to the final games, finding a reliable goalscorer can be absolutely crucial in the fight against relegation. And Nottingham Forest may just have found their man in Taiwo Awoniyi.
The striker took his tally for May to five goals in three games, making him the Premier League's top scorer this month.
Half time at the City Ground!
The half ends with a wild effort from Trossard, skied high over the bar.
What a half for Forest, they lead second place Arsenal thanks to a goal from striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Can Steve Cooper's men keep this up in the second half?
Spirited defending from Nottingham Forest to repal the Arsenal attacks. The home crowd want the referee's whistle but it's out for an Arsenal corner.
One last chance for the visitors, perhaps?
Moussa Niakhate
The Forest defender is booked for taking his time over a throw-in on the halfway line.
A bit of an unnecessary caution for Niakhate there, and one that could cause him problems up against Bukayo Saka.
Four minutes of added time in the first half
Can the hosts make it to the break with their lead intact? They are on the attack here...
Good play from Arsenal to work some space down the right, setting Thomas Partey through into the box. He fires a cross across the face of goal but former Spurs man Serge Aurier is there to clean up in the middle.
The ball works back to Bukayo Saka but his wild cross goes out for a goal kick. The visitors are starting to look a touch frustrated.
Offside: Nottingham Forest
As I was saying...
For a second there it looked like Taiwo Awoniyi might be in again, darting behind the Arsenal backline. However this time Ramsdale was off his line quickly to challenge the Forest forward and the linesman's flag went up.
Forest do seem to be able to cause problems for this changed Arsenal defence.
Sustained spell of possession for Arsenal now. Forest standing strong though and Arsenal are being forced to play in tiny space in front of the hosts' backline.
Steve Cooper's side don't seem to be offering much attacking threat at the moment, but as we saw with the goal they can break effectively when given the chance.
Chance! Arsenal
A decent opening for Leandro Trossard there. An Arsenal corner is pulled back to the Belgian just inside the Forest box but his volleyed effort goes comfortably wide.
Taiwo Awoniyi
The goalscorer goes into the book for a late challenge on Gabriel Magalhaes. Hard to argue with that one, really.
For all Arsenal's possession, that was the first right opening for either side and Forest were clinical. An Arsenal attack broke down in the middle of the Forest half and Morgan Gibbs-White pounced on the loose ball, driving at the Gunners' defence.
He saw a clever run from Taiwo Awoniyi and slipped the ball through to the in-form forward. It looked for a moment like Ramsdale might get there first but the big striker poked the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
The Forest fans are on their feet once again!
GOOOOAAL! Nottingham Forest
The hosts take the lead thanks to a swift counter attacking move. It's Taiwo Awoniyi after some great work from Morgan Gibbs-White. What a start for Forest!
Chance! Arsenal
The ball is whipped in by Bukayo Saka this time and his flat delivery is flicked on by a Nottingham Forest head, finding Gabriel Jesus at the back post.
The Brazilian forward can't quite direct his header and it goes out for a goal kick. A first sighting for Jesus.
Moussa Diakhate looks like he'll be ok to continue and rejoins the Forest backline. Another corner to Arsenal now, let's see if they can improve on the failed short routine last time...
Nottingham Forest: Moussa Niakhate
The Forest defender stayed down after a clash with Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard. It seemed fairly innocuous at the time but Niakhate has been down for a good couple of minutes receiving treatment.
Let's see if he can continue, corner to Arsenal now...
Arsenal have started to get a hold of the ball in the last few minutes, quieting the home crowd slightly. The Gunners haven't been able to manufacture any clear chances yet but Bukayo Saka is finding a good deal of space on the right flank.
Centrally, Martin Odegaard seems to have been given license to roam, freed up by the trio of sitting midfielders behind him. Nottingham Forest will need to keep an eye on the Arsenal captain today.
Arsenal set up in a back three
Arsenal look to be playing with a back three, comprised of White, Kiwor and Gabriel. Ahead of that defensive trio is a fluid midfield of Xhaka, Partey and Jorginho.
Mikel Arteta's side seem to be using Xhaka (left) and Partey (right) to offer additional protection in the wide areas. Jorginho is remaining central and attempting to dictate the play.
It's been a high tempo start at the City Ground with both sides looking to take control in the opening stages. The home crowd is cheering their team on and Steve Cooper's side are certainly making a fast start here.
We're underway at the City Ground!
Forest get things started, immediately on the attack but their direct start is halted by a foul on Jorginho. Let's see how Arsenal line up here...
Forest fans in good voice
The home crowd belts out a stirring rendition of Mull of Kintyre to rally their side ahead of kick-off. What an atmosphere we have in the CIty Ground today!
Kick-off shortly...
Teams take to the pitch
Just a few minutes to go now and both sides are out. Nottingham Forest in their bright red home kit, Arsenal in their dark grey change strip.
Arsenal will be desperate to get back to winning ways to end their season well. However Forest needs points if they are to keep their Premier League status.
The hosts are out!
Less than half an hour to go until kick-off at the City Ground and Nottingham Forest are out for their warm up, knowing that they need points to boost their survival push. Steve Cooper named the same starting XI that drew with Chelsea last weekend but he will know that the Gunners are a very different proposition.
Who will play left back for Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the team that lost 3-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, most notably removing Kieran Tierney from the starting XI.
Arteta has only named three specialist defenders in his team, meaning that he may be have decided to field Granit Xhaka on the left side of the defence. Alternatively, will the Gunners switch to a back three for today's must-win game against Nottingham Forest?
Less than 40 minutes to go until kick off at the City Ground, we're about to find out.
Arsenal look set to finish second to a brilliant Manchester City side this season, but Mikel Arteta has not given up hope of an unlikely Premier League title. Speaking ahead of Saturday's game Arteta insisted that his team are still in the running.
“What happens next season will depend on what we do how, we evolve and how we start,” Arteta said ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest. “That prediction is very difficult to do today.”
Nottingham Forest name an unchanged XI
No changes for the hosts as Steve Coopers opts to keep faith with the team who drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last time out. Awoniyi starts up front in a good run of form, highlighted by his brace against the Blues last weekend.
Arsenal line-up to face Nottingham Forest
There's a few surprises in the Arsenal team today as Trossard, Partey and Jorginho are named in the starting XI.
Arteta not giving up on title dreams
"There are two games to go, we can still be champions against probably the best team in the history of the Premier League, for 10 months. And we are still there. Two games to go, we are still there and we’re not going to bottle that. That’s for sure.
"What happens next season, it will depend a lot on what we do, how we evolve and how we start."
Arsenal look confident ahead of trip to Nottingham Forest
The Gunners come into today's game off the back of a mixed run of form that has seen them relinquish top spot to Manchester City. However, as Mikel Arteta has been at pains to point out, this must still go down as a successful season for his young side.
Will Arsenal fans be smiling at full time?
What time is kick-off for Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal?
Fans from around the world will be following all the action from the City Ground as Arsenal look to keep up the pressure on league leaders Manchester City. Here's what time the game will start, wherever you are in the world...
We will be bringing you minute-by-minute coverage of Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal right here, but you may be looking for a way to watch or stream the action live.
If that's the case, we've got you covered! Here's how to find the game where you are...
Has this season been a success for the Gunners?
After leading the league for most of the season there will undoubtedly be some disappointment amongst Arsenal fans that their title charge has faltered at this late stage. However Mikel Arteta has been quick to point out the impressive strides that his team have taken this year and they look set to secure second place in the league.
How would you rate Arsenal's campaign?
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal: Minute-by-minute
Hello and welcome to AS USA, your home of live Premier League coverage.
I'm Will Gittins and I'll be taking you through Arsenal's trip to Nottingham Forest today. Mikel Arteta knows that his side need to win to keep their faint hopes of an unlikely Premier League title alive.
Forest, on the other hand, are in desperate need of points to ensure that their return to the top flight is not a brief one.