Chelsea moved up to fourth place in the Premier League table after a commanding 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon, extending Forest manager Ange Postecoglou’s winless run in charge.
After a goalless first half, Chelsea returned from the break with renewed energy and punished a disorganised Forest side with three goals in the second period.
Teenager Josh Acheampong opened the scoring in the 49th minute when he rose highest to head home from a corner, scoring his first senior goal for the Blues. Just three minutes later, Pedro Neto doubled Chelsea’s advantage with a curling free-kick that left Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels rooted to the spot.
Forest had opportunities earlier in the match, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Ibrahim Sangare both missing clear chances to put the hosts in front. However, their wastefulness proved costly as Chelsea tightened their grip in midfield and took control of the game.
Reece James sealed the result in the 84th minute, latching onto a loose ball from a corner to score Chelsea’s third goal and his first of the season. The Chelsea captain later received praise for leading by example, despite his side being reduced to ten men after Malo Gusto’s red card in the 87th minute.
Postecoglou’s team looked disjointed and out of ideas as frustration grew among home supporters, with many leaving the stands before full-time. Even Forest’s owner was seen exiting early — a sight that summed up the hosts’ growing troubles.
Chelsea’s victory came despite manager Enzo Maresca serving a touchline ban, watching from the stands as his halftime substitutions — Moises Caicedo, Marc Guiu, and Jamie Gittens — transformed the team’s performance.
Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill described the win as “job done,” noting that the team showed resilience after a poor first half. Shay Given, who covered the match as a pundit, said the defeat left Postecoglou facing “a tough day,” as his side continues to search for a first victory under his management.
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