Taiwo Awoniyi was on target in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Awoniyi started the clash from bench due to injury, but came on to pull a goal back for his team.​

Eddie Nketiah had given Arsenal the game lead on 26 minutes after good work from Gabriel Martinelli.

England’s forward Bukayo Saka added the second for Gunners with a superb finish from outside the box six minutes later.

Awoniyi, who suffered a knock in training, was thrown into the thick of action 19 minutes to the end of the game.

He replaced Danillo Oliviera and made instant impact, pulling one back for the visitors in the 82nd minute at the Emirates.

The Nigerian stabbed home a pass from summer signing Anthony Elanga, meanwhile international teammate, Ola Aina made his debut for the Reds in the game.

Aina started the game and was replaced by Neco Williams 18 minutes from time.

The other Nigerian on the payroll of Nottingham Forest, Emmanuel Dennis, was not listed in the matchday squad.