Having managed to accumulate just four points from their opening three matches, Chelsea would look to find form with a win against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Steve Cooper’s side had endured a difficult start to the season, recording defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United – though they did salvage a win against Sheffield United on Matchday 2.
CHE: Sánchez; Colwill, Silva, Disasi; Chilwell, Caicedo, Gallagher, Gusto; Fernández, Sterling; Jackson
NFO: Turner; McKenna, Worrall, Boly; Aina, Yates, Mangala, Aurier; Gibbs-White, Danilo; Awoniyi
With Cole Palmer left on the bench after his recent move from Manchester City, Mauricio Pochettino opted to stick with Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson up front – supported by Enzo Fernandez. It was a decision that would lead to a rather uninspiring first half at Stamford Bridge, with the hosts managing just one shot on target in the opening half after resolute defending from Steve Cooper’s side.
It was Nottingham Forest that opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half, with Taiwo Awoniyi winning possession in midfield before striding through a flurry of incoming challenges. Left with space to make a pass, he sent Anthony Elanga through on goal – and the young Swede, introduced at half time, slotted a composed finish past Sánchez.
Nicolas Jackson should have equalised with seven minutes of regulation time remaining. With Cole Palmer having been introduced, the former Manchester City man sent Raheem Sterling through on goal – and his pass to Jackson was blasted over by the forward!
Left to rue their squandered chances, Chelsea headed down the tunnel with nothing to show for their efforts when the referee blew for full time – while Nottingham Forest celebrate a second win from four games that moves them into the top half of the Premier League table.
Chelsea will travel to AFC Bournemouth after the imminent international break, while Nottingham Forest will strive to build upon their positive momentum with another win against Burnley – who are currently pointless thus far in the Premier League.
