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Player Ratings: Taiwo Awoniyi shines as Nottingham Forest stun Chelsea
TL;DR
Nottingham Forest defeated Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring the opening goal. This victory is crucial for Forest's relegation battle while Chelsea's struggles continue.
Key points
- Nottingham Forest defeated Chelsea 3-1
- Taiwo Awoniyi scored the opening goal
- Chelsea continues to struggle in the Premier League
- Victory is crucial for Nottingham Forest's relegation fight
- Chelsea made eight changes for the match
Nottingham ForestChelseaAston Villa
Player Ratings: Taiwo Awoniyi shines as Nottingham Forest stun Chelsea
Player Ratings: Chelsea 1-3 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea’s grim Premier League run continued at Stamford Bridge as Nottingham Forest produced a ruthless, composed and hugely significant 3-1 victory. For Forest, this was the sort of afternoon that can tilt a relegation fight. For Chelsea, it was another damaging entry in a season drifting further from its stated ambitions.
Vitor Pereira made eight changes with one eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa, yet his side looked sharper, clearer and more committed from the opening whistle. Within two minutes, Taiwo Awoniyi had headed Forest in front after Dilane Bakwa beat Marc Cucurella and delivered a teasing cross into the area.
Chelsea looked rattled immediately. Forest sensed it and struck again in the 15th minute, with Malo Gusto pulling Awoniyi back as he attacked another Bakwa delivery. After a VAR check, Igor Jesus stepped up and converted the penalty straight down the middle. Gusto may consider himself fortunate that the punishment did not extend beyond the spot kick.
Chelsea Waste Their Route Back
There were chances for Chelsea to regain control. Enzo Fernandez hit the post, while , making his first senior start, won a penalty after a worrying head collision with . The 18 year old winger was later taken to hospital, bringing a sobering edge to an already difficult afternoon.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea match?
Nottingham Forest won the match against Chelsea with a final score of 3-1.
Who scored the opening goal for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea?
Taiwo Awoniyi scored the opening goal for Nottingham Forest just two minutes into the match.
How did this victory impact Nottingham Forest's relegation fight?
The victory is significant for Nottingham Forest as it can help tilt the balance in their favor during the relegation battle.
What changes did Chelsea make ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest?
Chelsea made eight changes to their lineup, focusing on their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa.
