Taiwo Awoniyi's scintillating performance has earned him a well-deserved man-of-the-match award as Nottingham Forest secured a vital point against Chelsea, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian striker showcased his goal-scoring prowess by recording back-to-back braces for the first time in his career, taking his Premier League tally to eight goals in 25 games for Forest.
Awoniyi's remarkable scoring run began in the last week's thrilling 4-3 victory over Southampton, where he netted two crucial goals.
His ability to consistently find the back of the net has proven instrumental for Forest, as he has now scored in six different Premier League games, always giving his side a 1-0 lead.
This achievement places him alongside club legend Stan Collymore, who accomplished a similar feat during the 1994-95 season, with eight opening goals.
Against Chelsea, Awoniyi wasted no time in making an impact, heading home a superb cross from Lodi to put Forest ahead in the 13th minute. His second goal came in the 62nd minute when he expertly nodded home a looping cross from Mangala, equalizing the scoreline.
The man-of-the-match accolade was awarded to Awoniyi for his exceptional finishing and the significance of his brace.
His first goal showcased his sheer determination as he outmuscled defenders in a crowded penalty box, while his second demonstrated his composure and accuracy in finding the back of the net.
Awoniyi's goals not only earned Forest a valuable point but also bolstered their chances of retaining their Premier League status.
With three points clear of the relegation zone and two games remaining, Forest now need to match the results of the teams below them to secure their top-flight status.
The hard-fought point against Chelsea, achieved at the historically challenging Stamford Bridge, exemplifies the resilience and determination of the Forest squad in their battle for survival.
