Nottingham Forest Compound Chelsea Crisis Despite Ending Goal Drought
Chelsea finally found the net after five matches without scoring, but their struggles deepened as they fell 3-1 to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, extending a dismal run that now matches a 33-year-old club record.
The visitors struck early through Taiwo Awoniyi, who headed home inside two minutes before adding a second after the break. In between, Igor Jesus converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review that penalized Malo Gusto’s challenge on Awoniyi.
Chelsea dominated possession for long spells, with Enzo Fernández pulling the strings in midfield, but their lack of cutting edge persisted. Their frustration grew when a first-half penalty was saved by Mat Sels, effectively halting any momentum.
Awoniyi’s second goal early in the second half ended the contest, before João Pedro produced a late overhead kick to end Chelsea’s goal drought.
“I take full responsibility for the result,” said interim head coach Calum McFarlane. “We were not ready at the start, and that cost us. We have to respond quickly because this level demands much more.”
Fernández echoed the disappointment: “It’s frustrating. We are controlling games but not making it count. We need to be more decisive in both boxes.”
The defeat leaves Chelsea ninth and effectively out of contention for a place in the UEFA Champions League, sitting 10 points behind Liverpool with three games remaining. Even hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Europa Conference League are fading fast.
Their season now hinges on the FA Cup Final against Manchester City, which represents their last realistic path to silverware and European qualification.