Table of Contents
Match Summary
ENZO Maresca observed from the stands as Chelsea intensified the pressure on his managerial counterpart with a decisive 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The match began slowly at the City Ground but ignited early in the second half with a swift exchange of goals, the first being netted by Cobham defender Josh Acheampong.
Josh Acheampong initiated Chelsea’s journey to victory over Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
However, Alejandro Garnacho struggled during this matchCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The 19-year-old was Chelsea’s standout player, scoring a powerful header to open the scoring, assisted by Pedro Neto, who added another goal just minutes later.
Chants of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ directed at Ange Postecoglou by Chelsea supporters highlighted the harsh reality for the Australian in Nottingham at this moment.
Opportunities arose for Forest in the second half, but Robert Sanchez’s reliable hands and the sturdy woodwork surrounding him were too much for Forest to overcome.
To compound Forest's misery in the final moments, Reece James seemed to receive a note from the touchline instructing him to ‘score a goal’ and did just that.
While his side risks dropping into the relegation zone if Burnley, West Ham, or Wolves secure three points, Chelsea built on their recent victory against Liverpool with another three points, keeping them in contention for a top-four finish.
Here’s how SunSport Chelsea Reporter Lloyd Canfield rated the players:
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 7
Reliable in goal with his saves, though his ball distribution could have been better today.
He was not significantly challenged by the Forest forwards until the second half, where he made two crucial saves in quick succession to preserve his clean sheet.
REECE JAMES – 9
One of the few composed figures in the Chelsea defense, the Blues’ captain was solid on his return from injury, which caused him to miss the international break with England.
He will claim the assist for Pedro Neto’s free-kick with a slight lay-off and was excellent defensively before scoring a goal himself at the end.
His volley found the back of the net after Estevao’s corner was flicked to his feet by a defender.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 5
Strong in the air, but his ball control was often questioned due to several inaccurate passes from the back.
He improved in the second half with the introduction of Moises Caicedo, which boosted Chelsea’s defensive confidence.
JOSH ACHEAMPONG – 10
This match will be remembered as the one where Josh Acheampong made his mark in the Premier League.
Another product of Chelsea’s Cobham academy, he was not only their most reliable center-back but also scored his first-ever professional goal with a powerful header past Matz Sels to break the deadlock.
He complemented his goal with a strong aerial display, good passing, and excellent link-up play with Reece James.
You couldn’t ask for much more from the young player, earning him a rare perfect score of 10.
MARC CUCURELLA – 7
Mr. Consistent was at it again for Chelsea.
A less aggressive attacking display allowed him to demonstrate his defensive dominance as well.
He made several tackles and blocks while maintaining a composed presence on the ball when he advanced it.
MALO GUSTO – 2
The embodiment of Chelsea’s defensive struggles in the first half, he made a misplaced backpass that allowed Awoniyi a clear shot on goal and another that nearly resulted in an own goal.
Filling the gap left by Cole Palmer is challenging for a right-back, especially in connecting midfield and attack, and Gusto seems to have realized this more than anyone.
There appeared to be a disconnect between him and Pedro Neto on the right flank, an area where Chelsea typically excels.
He also added to Chelsea’s list of sending-offs late in the game with a foul on Neco Williams.
ROMEO LAVIA – 6
His first start of the season for Chelsea was a mixed bag.
Lavia was the orchestrator in Maresca’s midfield, frequently helping to break the Forest press and initiate attacks from deep.
He did appear somewhat out of sync at times, typical for a player returning to match fitness, with a few inaccurate passes and tackles before being substituted at halftime for Moises Caicedo.
PEDRO NETO – 9
Chelsea’s most direct and creative attacker in the first half, it often felt like Neto was trying to create opportunities on his own.
His dribbling was sharp, and just when it seemed like it might be another difficult game for Neto, he came alive in the second half with a brilliant left-sided cross to Josh Acheampong’s head to score the first goal.
He added Chelsea’s second just three minutes later with a long-range free-kick that beat Matz Sels.
