Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice as relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest grabbed a precious point at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Nigerian became the first Forest player to score two goals in consecutive Premier League games since Bryan Roy in 1995. He had scored twice in last Monday’s 4-3 win against relegated Southampton.
He rose between the Chelsea centre-backs Thiago Silva and Beniot Badiashile to head in Renan Lodi lofty cross for his first of the game and his seventh of the league season in the 13th minute.
But Raheem Sterling scored twice for Chelsea within seven minutes to hand the Blues the lead for the first time in the encounter.
The 25-year-old Awoniyi drew his side level when he flicked home Orel Mangala’s delicate lob to secure an impressive draw at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking after the game, Awoniyi said, “We came here with spirit and togetherness and had a plan that worked. You feel bad when they score two quick goals, but we believed in ourselves and got the point.
“We now have two finals to go, the next one is Arsenal and from there we will see what happens.”
Forest, who had taken just six away points from a possible 51 this season before the Chelsea game, face the title-chasing Gunners at home next Saturday before travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day.
One more victory, or even two draws, might well be enough to preserve their top-flight status.
The draw leaves Chelsea, now winless in seven home games in all competitions, in 11th and with the prospect of playing three of the top four within a week – Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United – to end their miserable season.
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