Anthony Elanga’s second half strike sank a flat Chelsea as Nottingham Forest produced an upset at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dominated possession but created few chances against Steve Cooper’s side who only needed one counter attack to win 1-0 on Saturday.
Elanga slid home an excellent finish from the edge of the box to beat Robert Sanchez, with Cole Palmer thrown on minutes later for a Chelsea debut when Mauricio Pochettino chased the game.
Nicolas Jackson squandered the Blues’s only real chance late on, with a grandstand finish never materialising.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge witnessing the action...
Robert Sanchez - 6
Excelled at coming for crosses as Forest threatened with good set-pieces but had one shaky moment playing out from the back.
Malo Gusto - 7
Helped Sterling attack well down the right while competing well against Morgan Gibbs-White.
Axel Disasi - 7
Dealt well with the physical threat at the back.
Thiago Silva - 5
Nutmegged by Taiwo Awoniyi who set up Elanga’s opener, not his best day.
Levi Colwill - 6
Fantastic in his progressive passing once again but looked uncomfortable in high full-back positions.
Moises Caicedo - 5
Arguably most at fault for Elanga’s goal as his heavy touch allowed Forest to spring into a deadly counterattack.
Enzo Fernandez - 7
Produced some beautiful passing as always and competed well against a physical team.
Raheem Sterling - 7
Chelsea’s best attacker as signified by 45.5% of the attacks coming down his flank. He was then switched to the left wing and then striker when chasing the game.
Conor Gallagher - 6
Produced the first good effort of the match and played well in possession but was partly at fault for Forest’s goal.
Ben Chilwell - 5
Missed a good chance in the 22nd minute and looked like a fish out of the water on the left wing at times. He provides balance but doesn’t get to shine in the left-wing role.
Nicolas Jackson - 4
Missed Chelsea’s biggest chance in the 83rd minute, blazing over from five yards out. He was also booked for dissent.
Substitutes:
Cole Palmer - 7
Set up Chelsea’s biggest chance of the match with a good through ball but it was wasted.
Noni Madueke - 6
Immediately brought an additional threat from the bench with his direct running.
Mykahilo Mudryk - 6
Didn’t impact the game going forward but defended one counter attack particularly well.
Ian Maatsen - 6
Tidy as ever coming on in his favoured left-back position.
