Chelsea's miserable run continued as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Monday afternoon. Taiwo Awoniyi and Igor Jesus scored for the visitors, who took full advantage of a disjointed home side.
Early Blow for Chelsea
Forest took the lead after just two minutes when Awoniyi rose unmarked to head home a cross from Dilane Bakwa. The goal silenced the home crowd and set the tone for a frustrating afternoon for the Blues.
Just 15 minutes later, Forest doubled their lead. Malo Gusto was adjudged to have pulled back Awoniyi in the box, and Jesus stepped up to convert the penalty with ease.
Penalty Drama
Chelsea had a chance to get back into the game late in the first half when they were awarded a penalty after Zach Abbott's mistimed header caught Jesse Derry. However, Cole Palmer's spot-kick was saved by Matz Sels, who dived to his right to keep the ball out.
The first half was also marred by a serious head injury to Derry, who was stretchered off after the clash. Abbott also had to be replaced, with both players receiving medical attention.
Second Half Struggles
The second half saw Chelsea push for a goal but they lacked creativity and were easily contained by a well-organised Forest defence. Levi Colwill made his return from an ACL injury, coming on as a substitute, but could not inspire a comeback.
The defeat leaves Chelsea with five consecutive Premier League losses without scoring, while Forest move further away from the relegation zone.
Team News
Vitor Pereira made eight changes to the side that beat Aston Villa in the Europa League, resting several key players. Chelsea handed a full debut to 18-year-old Jesse Derry, son of former QPR midfielder Shaun Derry.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Abbott (Williams 45+7), Morato, Jair Cunha, Netz, Yates, McAtee, Dominguez (Gibbs-White 46), Bakwa, Igor Jesus (Milenkovic 46), Awoniyi (Anderson 46).
Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin (Colwill 46), Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Palmer, Derry (Delap 45+3), Fernandez, Joao Pedro.
