Chelsea resumed their Premier League campaign following the October international break on Saturday, achieving a decisive 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at The City Ground. This defeat led to the dismissal of manager Ange Postecoglou after only eight matches in charge.
Despite dominating possession, Chelsea struggled with mistakes in the first half, frequently conceding the ball and fortunate to go into halftime without conceding, as Forest failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
During the break, Chelsea made three substitutions based on head coach Enzo Maresca’s decisions from the stands due to a suspension. The changes paid off quickly, with Josh Acheampong heading in a cross from Pedro Neto shortly after the restart, followed by Neto’s free kick that secured Chelsea’s second goal.
Neco Williams almost brought Forest back into contention with a volley that missed the target, and later, substitute Igor Jesus hit the crossbar. Chelsea sealed the victory when Reece James, marking his 200th appearance for the club, scored the third goal.
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Positives
Pedro Neto shone for Chelsea in the first half, going on to register a goal and an assist after halftime. The team’s effectiveness at set-pieces also played a crucial role in their success.
Negatives
Several careless errors during the first half could have been punished by a more composed opponent. Additionally, a red card shown to Malo Gusto in the closing minutes, while leading 3-0, was an unnecessary decision.
Manager rating out of 10
Enzo Maresca, 6 — With assistant coach Willy Caballero in the dugout as Maresca watched from the stands, their collaboration helped guide the team to victory, although the initial game plan in the first half was lacking.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Robert Sánchez, 6 — Made a crucial save against Nikola Milenkovic in the 65th minute, marking his first significant intervention after Chelsea had previously defended well against Forest’s efforts.
DF Marc Cucurella, 6 — Showed aggression in challenges but occasionally struggled with the positioning of Williams, who missed a key opportunity in the second half.
DF Josh Acheampong, 7 — After a shaky start, Acheampong rebounded well and headed an impressive goal from Neto’s cross that opened the scoring.
DF Trevoh Chalobah, 5 — Had difficulties moving the ball effectively from the back, benefiting from Forest’s inability to capitalize on mistakes.
DF Reece James, 7 — With most attacks directed away from him, James focused on supporting Neto in attack, ultimately scoring his 200th club goal to seal the win.
MF Romeo Lavia, 4 — Struggled with timing and made several unnecessary fouls, including one that led to a chance for Morgan Gibbs-White. Replaced at half-time after failing to make a significant impact.
MF Malo Gusto, 4 — After an early mispass, Gusto improved but received a yellow card before an unnecessary dismissal in the 87th minute.
MF Andrey Santos, 5 — Largely absent in attack, Santos was unable to convert a significant chance before his substitution.
MF Alejandro Garnacho, 4 — Had a quiet first half with little to show for it. Substituted at the break.
MF Pedro Neto, 8 — The standout player for Chelsea, Neto provided an assist and scored from a set-piece shortly after halftime, highlighting his importance to the team.
ST João Pedro, 7 — Played a crucial role in linking up the play and managing possession effectively. He created a notable chance for Santos in the first half but missed an opportunity to score himself.
Substitutes
Moises Caicedo (Lavia, 45′), 6 — Introduced at halftime, Caicedo improved Chelsea’s pressing and contributed to a smoother transition in midfield.
Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 45′), 6 — Worked diligently to maintain possession and supported the defense effectively.
Marc Guiu (Santos, 45′), 7 — His energetic presence created opportunities, winning a crucial free kick leading to Chelsea’s second goal.
Estêvão (Neto, 78′), N/R — Added a spark to Chelsea’s attack in late stages.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Acheampong, 81′), N/R — Provided defensive stability as Chelsea cruised to victory.