McFarlane backs Chelsea flops after woeful Forest defeat

TL;DR

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane defended his players after a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving their Champions League hopes in jeopardy. The team has now lost six consecutive league matches for the first time since 1993.

Key points

Chelsea lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest
Interim boss Calum McFarlane defended his players
Chelsea's Champions League hopes are in jeopardy
The team has lost six consecutive league games
Jesse Derry suffered a head injury during the match

ChelseaNottingham ForestManchester City

Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane (Adrian Dennis) (Adrian Dennis/AFP/AFP) Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane insisted his players were fully committed in their dismal 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Monday. The Blues' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are hanging by a slender thread following the chastening loss at Stamford Bridge. Taiwo Awoniyi marked his 100th Forest appearance with the early opener and Igor Jesus' penalty doubled their advantage soon afterwards. Cole Palmer compounded Chelsea's misery when he missed a penalty late in the first half. Awoniyi struck again after the interval and Joao Pedro's eye-catching bicycle kick in the closing stages was no consolation for lacklustre Chelsea. Languishing in ninth place, Chelsea's wretched run has left them on the verge of failing to reach next season's Champions League. Chelsea, who will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16, have lost six consecutive league games for the first time since 1993. "A really disappointing result and performance. The first 15 minutes was not good enough. That set the tone," McFarlane said. "It's hard to say why. I'd probably like to review the game to look at such a stark contract to the way we defended against Leeds last weekend. "Enzo Fernandez hits the post and Cole Palmer misses the penalty; when you have such a bad start you need those kind of moments to go in your favour and unfortunately they didn't. "It's massively disappointing. We know we are a lot better than what we showed. I don't think we ever got to our level." After constant speculation that Chelsea's stars were not invested in the team during Liam Rosenior's brief reign, McFarlane claimed his side remain committed to the cause. "I wouldn't say that. I don't think we lacked effort and commitment," he said. "We believe we will we see the lads every day and they are doing everything they can. We need to move on quickly and it's about responding now. "I've said it before but we just need to improve on this performance and be ready for another game in five days." Adding to Chelsea's woes, teenage winger was stretchered off on his first start after suffering a head injury while winning the penalty that Palmer missed. "The update is that he is in a good condition. I need to fully speak to the medical team but it's positive signs," McFarlane said of Derry. smg/jc

Q&A

What did Calum McFarlane say about Chelsea's performance against Nottingham Forest?

Calum McFarlane described the performance as disappointing, noting that the team's poor start set a negative tone for the match.

How has Chelsea's recent performance affected their Champions League qualification hopes?

Chelsea's defeat leaves them in ninth place, significantly jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

What injury did Jesse Derry sustain during the match against Nottingham Forest?

Jesse Derry suffered a head injury and was stretchered off during his first start, but the update on his condition is positive.

McFarlane backs Chelsea flops after woeful Forest defeat

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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