An uneventful evening for Chelsea in the Premier League ended with a disappointing loss against Nottingham Forest.
The encounter was keenly contested, as both teams put their best foot forward, right from the get-go.
Chelsea showed their intensity early on, however, they couldn’t break the resolve of a resolute Nottingham Forest.
Raheem Sterling could have put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead in the opening stages of the game, but a last-ditch intervention from Aina prevented that from happening.
Taiwo Awoniyi also got close to going ahead in the 26th minute, as the Nigerian won a free-kick close to Chelsea’s area.
Morgan Gibbs-White afterward played the resultant free-kick into the 18-yard-box, coincidentally the ball fell to Taiwo Awoniyi in the box after some rambling in the box.
However, the Nottingham Forest forward could only fire his effort above the bar.
Nottingham Forest continue 3-game unbeaten run against Chelsea
In the 31st minute, Ben Chilwell was yellow carded for a foul on Ivorian defender Serge Aurier.
5 minutes later, Nicolas Jackson also got his name into the referees book, due to his gestures.
Jackson asked for Yates to be book for a tackle outside the area of Nottingham Forest, however, the referee deemed his action as being overbearing.
Ola Aina also got his name taken down by the referee in the 41st minute, as he was handed a yellow card for a foul on Raheem Sterling.
In what became a game soaked with cards, Conor Gallagher was also shown a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a foul on Ola Aina.
Meanwhile, in the 2nd minute of additional time in the first 45, Danilo picked up a knock after pulling a hamstring strain.
He was subsequently substituted for Anthony Elanga, who came on to produce brilliance in the encounter.
The fiercely contested game ended 0-0 after the first 45, as neither of the two sides couldn’t break the deadlock.
The second half kicked off with more energy and eagerness from the two sides, as they tried their best to get in front.
However, Anthony Elanga took Nottingham Forest into the lead against the run of play, calmly slotting the ball behind Robert Sánchez in goal for Chelsea.
Awoniyi impress against Chelsea
Taiwo Awoniyi made the assist, after nicely teeing up the England forward for the opening goal.
Chelsea did all they could to get back on level terms, unfortunately, their efforts couldn’t result in a goal.
Ryan Yates rashly brought down Raheem Sterling, and unsurprisingly referee Tim Robinson showed him the yellow card.
Summer signing Cole Palmer was afterwards introduced into the game in the 62nd minute for Conor Gallagher, and Noni Madueke came on for Ben Chilwell.
Robert Sánchez saved Chelsea’s blushes on many occasions, while Matt Turner also came in handy for Nottingham Forest on many occasions.
In the 65th minute, Steve Cooper also introduced Chris Wood for Taiwo Awoniyi, who put in an amazing shift while he was on the pitch of play.
7 minutes later, the Tricky Trees also brought on board Gonzalo Montiel for Serge Aurier, while new signing Nuno Tavares also replaced Orel Mangala
Cheikhou Kouyaté also came on board for Ola Aina, who was also impressive all afternoon.
Mauricio Pochettino was desperate for his side to get an equalizer after failing to provide enough threat to the Nottingham Forest defense.
Moises Caicedo performed below par against Nottingham Forest
Ian Maatsen was thrown into the fray, replacing Moises Caicedo, while Mykhaylo Mudryk came on for Malo Gusto.
Chelsea had a great chance in the 83rd minute to go in front, however, Nicolas Jackson couldn’t convert from close range.
Nuno Tavares was shown a yellow card in the 86th minute, as Nottingham Forest did all they could to stop Chelsea.
In the 96th minute, Robert Sánchez was also called to action, and he responded brilliantly to stop an amazing effort from Anthony Elanga.
Following a last gasp attempt from Chelsea which went begging, Matt Turner had the chance to restart the game after the ball went out for a goal kick.
However, Matt Turner was booked for time-wasting, having wasted too long before playing a goal kick.
After 90 minutes of action, Chelsea fell to 11th on the Premier League table, while Nottingham Forest rose to 9th on the log.
