Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice as Nottingham Forest boosted their survival hopes with a damaging win over Chelsea, deepening the hosts’ Premier League struggles.
Forest, despite making eight changes with a European fixture in mind, delivered a clinical performance to open a six-point gap above the relegation zone.
Fast start puts Chelsea on the back foot
The visitors wasted no time asserting control. Awoniyi opened the scoring inside two minutes, heading home from Dilane Bakwa’s cross after beating Marc Cucurella.
The same combination led to Forest’s second goal in the 15th minute. Awoniyi was fouled in the box by Malo Gusto, allowing Igor Jesus to convert from the penalty spot.
Chelsea had a chance to respond before the break, but Cole Palmer saw his penalty saved by Matz Sels after a lengthy stoppage caused by a head collision involving Jesse Derry.
Awoniyi seals result as Forest take control
Forest extended their lead early in the second half when Awoniyi tapped in from close range after a low delivery by Morgan Gibbs-White.
Further injuries disrupted the game, including another heavy collision involving Robert Sanchez, as Chelsea struggled to recover momentum.
Late response not enough
Joao Pedro scored a late overhead kick to end Chelsea’s long goal drought, but it had no impact on the result.
From a performance standpoint, Chelsea’s sixth consecutive league defeat leaves them ninth and 10 points adrift of Champions League qualification places.
Forest, now 16th, have materially improved their chances of avoiding relegation.
