Forest 2 Chelsea 3

Heading into the final week of the season, we’re now in a 3 match run, which may determine whether Chelsea will participate in next year’s European competition and for which trophy they’ll be challenging. This, of course, assumes the FFP rules have been met by the owners.

Forest have had their own FFP battles with the authorities. A 4-point deduction, coupled with results from competitors Burnley and Luton, means that Nottingham Forest will be playing Premiership football next season, barring an unlikely 13 goal margin being overturned.

The locals were in high spirits and very loud. Some Chelsea supporters claimed it was the loudest they’ve been all season. Chelsea fans positioned opposite the Trent End were also in a good mood. However, things can change quickly in football, as well known.

On to the match, Chelsea seemed a little too relaxed. Palmer got involved on the left side, and a superb pass between two Forest defenders split their defense, enabling Mudryk to confidently score past the keeper Sels. Hopefully, this is the start of more positivity to come.

Unfortunately, Chelsea eased off further, and it wasn’t long before the Reds equalized. A free kick overloaded the back of the defense, resulting in a header from Boly grazing Gallagher’s dangling leg and ending up past keeper Petrovic at the near post.

This energised the City Ground, and Forest ended the first half winning most midfield battles without any change in the scoreline. The same pattern continued in the second half, with former Chelsea players Adoi and Aina causing trouble. A Yates shot hit the post before CHO hit the bar, which set him up confidently to curl his very similar next shot into the left side of the net, making it 2-1!

Pochettino then made changes, bringing on Gusto, Sterling, Nukuku, and club captain James from the bench. Each played a part in turning the game around with a well-deserved comeback.

Silva was unlucky with a header that hit the post. Then, Sterling took control of events, darting into the box and scoring similarly to Huson with a fantastic curling strike into the far right corner. Nukuku looked classy and confident, and Gusto made good runs down the right in his new double role with James. It was truly Reece “the beast”, who upped the gears, that helped Chelsea take command. A great pass from Casceido to James led to the England defender making a first-time volley cross perfectly into the middle. Jackson then headed in his 17th goal of the season in the 82nd minute. Jackson celebrated by diving into the Chelsea fans behind the goal, earning himself a booking.

The Londoners held on for their third consecutive win, leveling with Newcastle. Another must win dual next on the beach in Brighton. Game on!