Forest stun Man City; Arsenal strengthen grip on top spot

Muniz rescues Fulham after Murphy’s late strike

NOTTINGHAM, Nov 8: Nottingham Forest stunned Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground to register their first home Premier League victory of the season, while handing Arsenal a major boost in the title race.
Liam Delap struck twice, with Jair Cunha also finding the net, as Forest capitalised on defensive errors to secure a memorable win. Rayan Cherki pulled one back for City with a stunning half-volley, but Delap’s late strike ended the visitors’ hopes of a comeback.
The defeat left City six points behind leaders Arsenal, who had earlier beaten Hull City 1-0. Forest moved up to 16th, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Cunha opened the scoring after dispossessing Josko Gvardiol, who was caught in possession following a heavy touch.
The Brazilian drove towards the penalty area before slotting a low shot into the corner.
Forest doubled their lead before half-time when Xaver Schlager won a midfield challenge and released Delap.
The striker surged forward from near the halfway line before firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City threatened through Erling Haaland, whose effort from a tight angle was cleared off the line, while Enzo Fernandez missed a headed opportunity. Cherki revived City’s hopes early in the second half with a superb half-volley.
The visitors dominated possession thereafter, but Forest remained dangerous on the counter. Morgan Gibbs-White spearheaded a quick break before Delap curled a powerful finish into the top corner to seal the victory.
The brace was especially satisfying for Delap, who spent a decade in City’s youth system before leaving in 2019.
The striker had managed just one goal in his first eight appearances for Forest, making his double a timely reminder of his ability.

Muniz rescues Fulham against Newcastle

Rodrigo Muniz struck late as Fulham fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at Craven Cottage, extending their unbeaten league run to four matches.
Jacob Murphy appeared to have won it for Newcastle when he produced a fine individual effort 10 minutes from time. After intercepting a loose pass, the winger cut inside and curled a left-footed shot into the far corner from 25 yards.
However, Fulham responded within three minutes. Substitute Cesar Palacios supplied the pass and Muniz guided the ball into the far corner to level the contest.
Both sides had late opportunities to claim all three points, but Bernd Leno denied Lewis Hall before Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek produced an excellent save to keep out Ryan Sessegnon’s effort in stoppage time.
Newcastle had threatened earlier through Harvey Barnes, who was denied twice by Leno. Dan Burn also thought he had put the visitors ahead from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after Yoane Wissa was penalised for holding Timothy Castagne.
The result offered some relief to Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, whose side avoided a fifth defeat in six matches, although they will regret failing to protect their late lead.

Odegaard sends Arsenal six points clear

Martin Odegaard scored in the 72nd minute as Arsenal edged past Hull City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners struggled to break down a determined Hull defence before Noni Madueke’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Odegaard reacted quickest to the rebound and finished to give the hosts the lead.
Arsenal almost doubled their advantage late on, but Tzolakis stopped Madueke before Brooke Norton-Cuffy cleared the rebound off the line.
The victory was Arsenal’s fifth consecutive league win since their defeat by Brighton in September.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now won nine of their 11 matches and remain unbeaten at home in all competitions for 11 games.
Hull, meanwhile, have gone eight league matches without a win after beginning their first Premier League campaign in 10 years with two victories. They remain four points above the relegation zone.
Arsenal’s narrow win proved even more valuable after City’s defeat later in the day, leaving the Gunners with a six-point cushion at the summit.
The results made for a significant day in the title race, with Arsenal opening up a six-point lead over Manchester City after capitalising on their rivals’ slip-up. While Forest celebrated a crucial victory that could prove vital in their fight for survival, Newcastle and Fulham had to settle for a point apiece. With the season gathering momentum, City now face mounting pressure to respond, while Arsenal have strengthened their grip on the summit. (Agencies)