At the final whistle, both sets of fans must have been left stunned as this heated encounter ended up level. Nikola Milenkovic set up Chris Wood for an early goal when he flicked on a James Ward-Prowse free kick and guided it past Sanchez for his side’s opening goal.
Noni Madueke scored an excellent equaliser for the visitors with a brilliantly executed goal from Cole Palmer’s defence-splitting pass, cutting inside and curling his left-foot shot into the corner for an equalizer.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Chelsea F.C. vs Nottingham Forest Standings.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s winning run was stopped short by 10-man Forest in an exciting encounter, yet both sides still had chances to emerge victorious in an entertaining contest. Forest took the lead early in the second half when Chris Wood toe-poked home a free kick by Chris Wood before Noni Madueke equalised shortly thereafter. Enzo Maresca then made two substitutions – Jota Silva and Christopher Nkunku replacing Nicolas Jackson and James Ward-Prowse respectively.
Ward-Prowse’s shot from the edge of the box had plenty of power but didn’t quite hit its target; then Nkunku ran onto an outgoing ball but only managed to direct it wide of its intended goal.
Forest defenders have proven adept at holding back Chelsea from finding any gaps in their defence, while simultaneously limiting counter attacks by visitors such as Cole Palmer’s darting drive down the right flank.
Even with all their possession, the Blues struggled to find an end-goal during an action-packed second period. Jackson went down after being challenged by Cucurella but there were no calls from their hosts for an appeal from either party.
As both sides fight for possession, numerous tackles fly. But the referee is remaining calm.
Chelsea create a good opportunity when they break through the center of the pitch, but Jadon Sancho cannot find an opening past Milenkovic’s challenge. Caicedo comes close himself, with Sels making an outstanding save when his volley toward goal comes near goal; and as Forest leave for their final three fixtures of this thrilling contest there are some boos from home fans as they head for their exit tunnels at the conclusion of an entertaining contest – hopefully keeping Forest out of relegation zone and away from further defeat!
Forest
Forest have rebounded from an initial slow start and now find themselves within striking distance of play-off spots. Their form in the league has been impressive, however a tough fixture list lies ahead and so they must keep up their hard work rather than let off their pace.
Chelsea came into this match having just secured five consecutive victories and looked strong in the final third, but they were made work for their points by an extremely determined Forest team.
First half action was relatively quiet but both teams created chances – Noni Madueke having the most promising opportunity for the visitors when he dribbled past his fullback and attempted a left-footed shot from 10 yards out that scraped past the post.
Chris Wood was next to attempt a shot for the home side, however his attempt sailed over the bar. Shortly thereafter, Levi Colwill was penalised for colliding with Enzo Fernandez in midair; as a result of which 13 minutes of injury time was added onto the first half.
Following the halftime break both teams continued attacking but neither were able to find an advantage. Madueke was the key attacker for the home side and won a corner after pulling an excellent ball back for Cole Palmer to strike it past Sels and hit the crossbar but technology indicated it hadn’t crossed over into goal territory.
Matz Sels was crucial in keeping Forest competitive by making multiple saves, blocking shots from Palmer and Christopher Nkunku as well as pushing away attempts from Malo Gusto and Jota Silva – fighting hard for all three points at stake for his side. Although Forest have suffered an unexpectedly disappointing return to the Championship this season, they have proven they can compete amongst the top six clubs.
Goals
Chelsea may have won narrowly at Stamford Bridge but there was no sense of celebration at Stamford Bridge. Forest continued their fightback late on despite being reduced to 10 men late in the game; making for an anxious 13-minute period of added time in which both goalkeepers made incredible saves that kept Forest in contention for victory.
Chelsea were never going to find it easy overcoming a Forest side that were determined to frustrate and hinder them, after their defeat at Brighton last weekend. From the first whistle it was evident that Forest were determined to put up resistance against Chelsea and prevent their progress forward.
At the end, it was a disappointing draw for the hosts as they had dominated much of the match but failed to convert their dominance into goals. Madueke’s late equaliser provided much-needed relief, yet its mannerism caused much embarrassment as they conceded an easy goal late on.
Madueke cut in behind Alex Moreno and launched a powerful shot towards the far post that passed through a dense crowd and squeezed in at the near post, drawing faint penalty appeals as Jackson went down, yet referee Christopher Kavanagh waved play on.
Forest make a change as Jackson is replaced by Malo Gusto. Their inconsistent play in attack highlights their lack of cutting edge.
Saves
Home side Brighton have enjoyed an excellent start to their campaign, winning five of their first six league matches and climbing into fourth position. Unfortunately, however, they have failed to narrow the gap with leaders Liverpool. Now they must contend with a challenging Forest side who have won two out of their last three and sit just a single point outside play-off spots.
Both teams were guilty of missing some excellent opportunities in the early stages, but in the second half it was the visitors who took control. A magnificent set-piece delivery from James Ward-Prowse was met by Nikola Milenkovic heading it back into the box where Chris Wood made an outstanding move to guide his header into the bottom corner.
Noni Madueke’s late equaliser prevented the Blues from winning and created an atmosphere of injustice at the final whistle. A 13-minute period of added time ensued during which both goalkeepers made incredible saves that defied belief.
Sanchez makes a spectacular save to preserve a point for his hosts by turning away Silva! The substitute intercepted a cross from the left side and flicked a header towards the far post; but somehow Sanchez managed to turn it away!
Madueke shows quick feet to find himself inside the area, yet his shot misses its target. There were brief appeals for a penalty when Jackson fell inside the box; however, those protestations quickly subsided as referee waved play on. Malo Gusto attempted a long-range effort but it went well over the bar.
Substitutions
Chelsea were held to a draw by relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in a dramatic match at Stamford Bridge. Chris Wood put Forest ahead with an exceptional finish before Noni Madueke equalized almost immediately afterwards. However, Forest managed to keep going even with 10 men due to James Ward-Prowse’s red card as Matz Sels made some fantastic saves to keep ahead and the Blues wasted numerous opportunities at goal.
Both teams have made multiple substitutions during a spirited contest. Romaine Sawyers came on for Forest in place of Claude Raines while Chelsea brought on Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Christopher Nkunku before Nicolas Jackson appeared to touch Forest player’s face during an altercation that broke out on their bench late. Referee Chris Kavanagh wasn’t interested in further intervention either so the match ended even.
As both teams take their places on either half of the pitch, with both fans cheering enthusiastically as a warm autumnal sun warms Stamford Bridge, both teams line up on opposite halves of the pitch. Chelsea had an advantage early on as Noni Madueke caused damage down right wing while Enzo Fernandez saw his shot blocked by Ethan Lindenberger.
But the visitors have done an excellent job defending their box, denying Jadon Sancho, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke any space behind them. Additionally they repelled two good efforts from Fernandez and Palmer (one from Fernandez hit Sanchez but somehow missed its target), both which featured long-range shots which somehow didn’t cross the line.
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