Chelsea’s season hit an alarming low as Nottingham Forest triumphed 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, marking their sixth straight defeat in the Premier League.
This loss extended what is already the club’s worst league performance since 1912. Just when it seemed their troubles couldn’t grow any more severe, Forest’s reserve squad came to London and overwhelmed Chelsea, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring two goals, the first within just 98 seconds, and Igor Jesus converting a penalty, allowing Vitor Pereira’s crew to create a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
After nearly entering a sixth match without scoring, Chelsea managed to hit the back of the net thanks to Joao Pedro’s overhead kick in stoppage time, their first league goal since March 4.
The absurdity of their goal drought became evident when Cole Palmer missed a penalty in the first half, thwarted by Forest’s backup keeper Matz Sels.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Supporters in the Shed End might have struggled to recognize their team, as Pereira had rotated seven outfield players, likely considering the upcoming Europa League semi-final. Those substitutes had collectively started just 11 league matches this season, while it was Chelsea who looked disjointed.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane’s options were severely limited due to late injuries to Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, leading to an 18-year-old Jesse Derry making his first Premier League start. Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated when Derry sustained a serious head injury after colliding with Forest player Zach Abbott, requiring oxygen and a stretcher.
Chelsea’s disarray was evident early on. Within 90 seconds, they lost possession at their own throw-in, giving Forest ample time to control the midfield. The ball was quickly shifted to Dilane Bakwa, who evaded Marc Cucurella with ease and crossed for Awoniyi to head in from six yards out.
Just 15 minutes in, Chelsea found themselves two goals down. Bakwa delivered another cross, and Malo Gusto was penalized for holding Awoniyi’s shirt, prompting a penalty call that Jesús converted with a shot straight down the middle.
The first half was dismal for Chelsea, ending with an alarming incident as a corner kick bounced inside the box, leading to a head collision between Derry and Abbott. While Abbott walked off unassisted, Derry needed extensive treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.
–More: Chelsea’s Jesse Derry given oxygen, stretchered off after collision
After nearly a 10-minute break, Palmer’s subsequent penalty kick was also foiled by Sels.
Chelsea also welcomed back Levi Colwill, who had missed the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, coming on at halftime in hopes of steadying the chaotic play.
Instead, the nightmare worsened as Awoniyi tapped in from close range just seven minutes after the break, following a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White, narrowly keeping himself onside.
Robert Sánchez also left the pitch injured, having sustained a bleeding head wound from a clash with Gibbs-White.
Pedro’s stunning strike at the end garnered ironic applause from the sparse crowd of Chelsea fans who remained.