Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi continues to fire on all cylinders with a brace for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has now scored two goals in two consecutive games to take his season tally to nine, including eight in the Premier League.
A man in form ???? pic.twitter.com/2lOMnRMHui
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 13, 2023
The former Union Berlin man put the Garibaldis ahead in the 13th minute, rising highest to beat Blues’ center backs and returning goalkeeper Edouard Mendy before heading into an empty net from a Renan Lodi cross.
Chelsea almost levelled proceedings through Joao Felix, but Forest’s shotstopper Keylor Navas was on hand to deny the Portuguese’s header.
The home side, however, restored parity six minutes into the second half. Trevor Chalobah’s cutback was met by Raheem Sterling, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The former Manchester City forward completed his and Chelsea’s second in the 58th minute as he rifled a shot into the top corner, leaving Navas helpless.
However, Forest would not go down without a fight, as they drew level through Awoniyi’s header a minute after the hour mark. The Nigerian’s downward header at the back post was too much for Mendy to handle.
We take a point back home ????#CHENFO pic.twitter.com/z6aRerT4nF
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 13, 2023
Awoniyi, who was replaced by Welsh forward Brennan Johnson in the 81st minute, received huge applause from the travelling fans as his two goals got them a point, which may prove important in their relegation battle.
Steve Cooper’s men remain 16th in the league standings with 34 points, three more than Leeds United, who occupy the final relegation spot, and with just two games remaining in the season for Forest, they will face a daunting task in their next games when they welcome Arsenal to the City Ground before visiting Selhurst Park for the last game of the season, as they look to remain in England’s top division.
