Palmer was the star once again as Chelsea denied Forest mathematical safety
Chelsea denied Nottingham Forest the chance to celebrate mathematical safety with a rousing late turnaround.
Forest were leading 2-1 after 80 minutes thanks to goals from Willy Bolly and Callum Hudson-Odoi, which had outdone Mykhailo Mudryk’s early opener for Chelsea.
But goals in rapid succession from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson curtailed the carnival as Forest are still not mathematically safe, though they are three points of Luton Town with a 12-superior goal difference going into the final day.
For Chelsea, a first away win in three months takes them level on on points with sixht-placed Newcastle.
Mail Sport’s Kieran Gill brings the player ratings from the City Ground.
Cole Palmer was once again the star of the show for Chelsea, who beat Nottingham Forest 3-2
Cole Palmer was once again the star of the show for Chelsea, who beat Nottingham Forest 3-2
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Djordje Petrovic – 6
Nice leap to stop Chris Wood’s lob but no denying Willy Boly’s header or Callum Hudson-Odoi’s curler.
In truth, only his woodwork stopped Nottingham Forest from scoring more!
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
Up against two old Chelsea academy chums in Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina and had his hands full.
Moved to centre back once Gusto was introduced in a tactical switch.
Thiago Silva – 7
So close to gifting Chelsea a lead with a flicked header which bounced back off the post.
Defensively, Silva is still Chelsea’s most reliable defender, despite being so close to the exit.
Thiago Silva proved he is still Chelsea’s most reliable defender with a solid performance
Thiago Silva proved he is still Chelsea’s most reliable defender with a solid performance
Nottingham Forest ratings and facts
Nottingham Forest: (5-4-1): Sels 5; Montiel 5.5 (Elanga 72, 6), Boly 7, Murillo 6.5, Niakhate 5.5 (Dominguez 86), Aina 7; Gibbs-White 6, Yates 6.5 (Toffolo 72, 6), Danilo 6.5, Hudson-Odoi 7 (Awoniyi 86); Wood 5.5
Subs (not used): Turner, Sangare, Kouyate, Origi, Omobamidele
Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 6
Referee: Tony Harrington 6
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Booked for bringing down Murillo to kill a counter-attack and from that free-kick, Nottingham Forest made it 1-1. Later substituted as Chelsea tried to change the direction of this game.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Inverted role did not work as well as it has in previous performances so Chelsea changed their tactics for the second half and to Pochettino’s credit, it worked… eventually.
Moises Caicedo – 6
When he ballooned the ball while trying to find Madueke in first-half stoppage time, that summed up Chelsea’s opening 45 minutes. Not his most commanding game but a win is a win.
Conor Gallagher – 6
Pushed further up the pitch when Cucurella moved into midfield and cautioned for killing a counter-attack. Was substituted, then Chelsea scored twice to secure their turnaround.
Noni Madueke – 5.5
Madueke has been impressive of late but he was largely ineffective here, often losing possession way too cheaply by being too selfish, hence why he was hooked before the hour mark.
Noni Madueke has enjoyed a good run of form but was largely ineffective at the City Ground
Noni Madueke has enjoyed a good run of form but was largely ineffective at the City Ground
Cole Palmer – 7.5
The only one who made Chelsea look dangerous for large periods. Great pass made it 1-0 for Mudryk and could have added two more assists for Jackson and Silva. Creative leader.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 6.5
Palmer had the pass and Mudryk had the finishing speed as he put the ball past Matz Sels. However, Chelsea’s winger has not yet made a big enough impact.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
Should have marked Willy Boly when he headed in the equalizer. He made amends at the other end, heading James’ goal to make it 3-2
Nicolas Jackson was at fault for Forest’s equalizer but headed home a cross from Reece James
Nicolas Jackson scored. was at fault for Forest’s equalizer but headed home the winning goal after a pass from Reece James
Malo Gusto (for Badiashile, 58) – 6
Face Hudson- Odoi, former Chelsea academy player cut inside and made it 2-1.
Christopher Nkunku (replacing Madueke, 58) – 6.5
Nice to see you again after a season blighted by injury. This will only get better with time and fitness.
Raheem Sterling (replacing Mudryk, 73) – 7
Brings Chelsea back into this match at 2 – 2 looked like the home team was aiming for victory.
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored beautifully to help his team take the lead over his old team
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored beautifully eye to put his side ahead against his old team
Reece James (replaced Gallagher, 79) – N/A
He was back and had an assist created at 2 minutes 52 seconds after entering the field to increase the score to 3-2.