Taiwo Awoniyi marked his long-awaited return from a groin injury with a goal, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Nottingham Forest from falling 2-1 at home to Arsenal.

The Nigerian striker had been sidelined since October after surgery for the injury sustained on international duty. He missed nine Premier League games and three FA Cup matches.

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Awoniyi, who replaced Christian Wood at halftime, pounced on a defensive error in the 89th minute, showing great awareness to tap home the equalizer. This was his third goal against Arsenal in three Premier League appearances, and his most prolific tally against any team in the competition (tied with Southampton).

Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were on target for Arsenal. Awoniyi nearly grabbed a dramatic late equalizer in the 93rd minute, but his hurried shot went straight into David Raya’s gloves.

Forest will be hoping Awoniyi’s return to form sparks a goal-scoring run to help them climb away from the relegation zone.