How Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal for Forest Secured Manchester City’s Premier League Triumph

Patrick OdeyMay 20, 2023

1 minute read

The Premier League title race is over as Manchester City has been confirmed as the champions for the 2022/2023 season.

City secured their third consecutive title and their fourth in the last five years under Pep Guardiola, thanks to Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Arsenal, who were the only team that could mathematically catch up with City, failed to break down a resilient Forest side that fought for their survival in the top flight.

The decisive goal came in the 73rd minute when Super Eagles striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, headed in a cross from Joe Lolley to send the City Ground into a frenzy.

Awoniyi, who is on loan from Liverpool, scored his ninth goal of the season and his most important one as it guaranteed Forest’s safety in the Premier League with 37 points from 37 matches.

Arsenal tried to respond but could not find a way past Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba, who made some crucial saves to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Forest players and fans, while Arsenal’s players looked dejected and disappointed.

City, who have 86 points from 36 matches, have now won the Premier League title more times than any other club in the last decade.

They will host Chelsea in their next Premier League clash on Sunday, where they will receive the trophy and celebrate with their fans at the Etihad Stadium.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team. He joined Forest from Union Berlin for a club record fee of £17m in July 2022. He has scored eight goals in 25 appearances for Forest this season.

His goal against Arsenal on May 20, 2023, was historic for several reasons. It was his first goal for Forest at the City Ground. It also ensured that Forest’s first Premier League home game in 23 years ended in victory. And it also confirmed Manchester City as Premier League champions, as Arsenal could not catch up with them. It was a great moment for him and Forest fans.