Injury-ravaged Chelsea overcame a shaky start to secure a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, piling more pressure on Forest boss Ange Postecoglou, who remains without a win after eight matches in charge.
The result, achieved despite a lengthy injury list, further underlines Enzo Maresca’s ability to adapt under pressure — even from the stands, after serving a one-match touchline ban.
Forest Waste Early Chances as Chelsea Struggle
Nottingham Forest began brightly at the City Ground, pressing high and exploiting gaps in Chelsea’s shaky back line. The hosts carved out several clear chances in the first half but failed to make them count.
Chelsea, missing key players Cole Palmer, Benoît Badiashile, and Enzo Fernández, struggled to find rhythm and control in midfield. Moises Caicedo started on the bench as Maresca rotated his depleted squad.
Acheampong and Neto Lead Chelsea Comeback
After the break, 18-year-old Josh Acheampong gave Chelsea the lead, rising highest to head home and swing momentum their way. The goal deflated Forest’s earlier energy and opened the door for the visitors to take control.
Moments later, Pedro Neto — in superb form since joining the Blues — doubled Chelsea’s advantage with a curling free-kick that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Chelsea’s confidence soared from there, with Raheem Sterling sealing the victory late on to make it 3-0.
Postecoglou Under Fire After Eighth Winless Game
The defeat leaves Ange Postecoglou winless in eight matches across all competitions since taking charge of Forest. The Australian coach, sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in June, now faces increasing scrutiny from club owner Evangelos Marinakis, with Forest hovering just above the relegation zone.
Speaking after the match, Postecoglou admitted his side lacked composure:
“We had our chances early on but didn’t take them. Against teams like Chelsea, you pay the price for that.”
What’s Next
Chelsea will look to build on this momentum when they face Brentford next weekend, while Nottingham Forest’s next match against Fulham could be decisive for Postecoglou’s future.
