Taiwo Awoniyi was on the scoresheet for Nottingham Forest but it was not enough to rescue the visitors from falling to a 2-1 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their 2023/24 opener on Saturday.
Taiwo Awoniyi, one of Forest’s best players from the previous season was not in the starting line-up as he battled a knock but was passed fit by the medical team to start from the bench.
Arsenal had taken a two-goal lead through Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka in the first half as they comfortably controlled the match. The Gunners were hit by an injury to Jurrien Timber.
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The Nigeria international came off the bench in the 71st minute replacing Brazilian Danilo and immediately showed his quality as he gave the visitors more attacking bite going forward.
He, however, registered his name on the score sheet against Arsenal for the second consecutive match after cleverly slotting the ball in the net from close range after a clever pass from Anthony Elanga who had just been introduced into the game.
Awoniyi and Forest pushed for an equaliser but the Gunners held on for their first win of the season.
Awoniyi’s compatriot Ola Amina was in the starting line-up for Forest but made way for Neco Williams in the 72nd minute. Aina was shown a yellow card in the 28th minute for a foul on Bukayo Saka.
