TAIWO Awoniyi was the hero for Nottingham Forest today at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea as his side continued their bid to escape relegation from the English Premier League.
The Super Eagles striker scored twice for the visitors as they secured a crucial point with a 2-2 draw against the struggling hosts.
Awoniyi gave Forest a shock lead with a fine header in the 13th minute, but Chelsea fought back after the break to turn it around and go 2-1 up.
Raheem Sterling scored both Chelsea goals within 13 minutes of the restart as the Blues sought only their second win in eight games under Frank Lampard.
Awoniyi struck again in the 62nd minute to earn Forest the point that took them three points clear of the relegation zone with two games left.
The Nigeria international has now scored four goals in his last two Premier League games and nine in all competitions for the campaign, which has been disrupted by injury.
Chelsea are in 11th place, level on points with Crystal Palace a spot below them.
Also today, Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed after their 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham.
Carlos Vinicius and Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in each half to end the Saints’ 10-year stay in the English top flight.
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu was handed a rare start by Southampton boss Ruben Selles, while Joe Aribo was an unused substitute.
Southampton have only 24 points from 36 games and are eight points from safety with only two matches left for them.
At Old Trafford, Manchester United recovered from back-to-back defeats at Brighton and West Ham to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Old Trafford today.
Anthony Martial and the returning Alejandro Garnacho netted in either half to keep Erik ten Hag’s side in fourth place, four points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the race for UEFA Champions League places.
Manchester United are also level on points with third-placed Newcastle United, who drew 2-2 at Leeds United in today’s early kick-off.
In the other afternoon kick-offs, Aston Villa beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Villa Park in the race for Europe, while Eberechi Eze, the England-born Nigerian midfielder, scored twice as Crystal Palace defeated Bournemouth 2-0.
