Pep Guardiola admitted his frustration after Manchester City dropped more points from a winning position in a damaging draw with Nottingham Forest.

City twice went ahead but could not hold on, leaving them seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race.

The champions appeared on course for victory after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri. Forest, however, responded each time through Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson to snatch a share of the spoils.

Guardiola’s men dominated the game with 70 per cent possession and 21 attempts on goal. Yet their inability to see out the match means they have now dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.

“It is a lot but there are games that maybe we didn’t deserve it but today we played, in general, well for 90 minutes,” said Guardiola.

“You have to stop transitions, long balls you have to defend but it’s not about this action or that action, in general the game was well played.

“We created a lot against a team so defensive, a really good team, [which is] more dynamic.”

January signing Semenyo continued his strong start since arriving from AFC Bournemouth, netting his seventh goal for City to give the visitors a half-time lead.

But the pattern that has troubled City this season surfaced again after the interval. Had matches finished at half-time, Guardiola’s side would sit 13 points clear at the top. Instead, they now trail Arsenal by seven points, though they still have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.

City’s players cut dejected figures at the final whistle, fully aware that another opportunity had slipped away in the title race.

“I would like to concede fewer but it’s not about analysing one specific action,” Guardiola said.

“I never point fingers at my players. We did everything.

“We had the chances at the end and in the first half and the momentum. But something always happens and we could not win.”

Arsenal took advantage of the slip by grinding out a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, strengthening their grip at the summit.