Nottingham Forest’s Premier League woes deepened on Saturday as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea, stretching manager Ange Postecoglou’s winless streak to eight matches.
Taiwo Awoniyi, making his first start of the season, added some early spark for Forest, who began brightly and created a few decent chances.
Elliot Anderson came close after pouncing on a Chelsea defensive slip but was quickly crowded out, while Morgan Gibbs-White volleyed narrowly over from close range.
Andrey Santos also went close, dragging his effort just wide following a clever pass from João Pedro.
Despite being without key players such as Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea grew into the game after the break.
Pedro Neto ignited the Blues’ attack with a surging run down the left before setting up Josh Acheampong for the opener. Minutes later, Neto doubled the advantage with a well-struck free-kick.
Forest’s defensive frailties were further exposed when Igor Jesus rattled the woodwork from a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross, and Reece James eventually sealed the win with a late strike following a poorly cleared corner.
Although Malo Gusto’s late red card slightly marred the victory, Chelsea’s dominance was never in doubt.
The result leaves Forest’s hierarchy frustrated, owner Evangelos Marinakis exited the stands before full-time and casts further doubt over Postecoglou’s position.
Chelsea, on the other hand, maintained their strong record at the City Ground, claiming a fourth win in their last five visits.
