It was a frustrating evening for Chelsea as they took on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and returned to some familiar ways. Graham Potter's side were unable to challenge the opposition goal often enough or find much fluency on the first day of the year as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring when a Christian Pulisic cross caused an obscure deflection from Willy Boly leading to the ball hitting the crossbar for the England international to blast into the net. The Blues were in a good position just after the 15-minute mark but the home side fought their way back into the game, and when the sides returned for the second half, Steve Cooper's team went well into the ascendancy.
Serge Aurier finished well when Chelsea were unable to clear a corner and while Potter made plenty of changes, it could be argued that Forest had the better chances despite the Blues superior possession. Potter gave credit to the opposition for their second half performance.
READ MORE: Four things learned from Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest as Potter left to ponder Havertz claim
He said: “Overall, when the game was controlled in the first half, I don’t think we did well enough. It certainly wasn’t good enough I would say: we didn’t move the ball fast enough, didn’t have enough moments. I think we have to credit the opponent in both halves. In the first, they defended deeper and attacked big spaces. In the second, it became a bit more uncontrolled and we suffered as well.
"They played a good version of themselves and I think in the end, even though we had a chance with Pierre [Emerick-Aubameyang] and rallied in the second part of the second half, it would’ve been unfair if we’d taken more than a point.”
football.london looks at the moments you may have missed from the clash.
New signing in attendance
On a lighter note for January 1, David Datro Fofana officially became a Chelsea FC player. The Blues announced that they had reached a pre-agreement with Molde last week with the transfer becoming official at the opening of 2023.
Fofana was not included in Chelsea's matchday squad with Kai Havertz starting up front and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang taking a place on the bench but the 20-year-old forward was in the stands in the Midlands. Fofana had one year left on his deal in Norway before committing to Stamford Bridge and netted 15 times in 24 appears in the Eliteserien in 2022 with an additional four goals in European competition this term.
Whether he becomes involved in Chelsea's squad given the absence of Armando Broja, or a suitable loan awaits remains to be seen. Regardless, the trip to the City Ground offered Fofana is first opportunity to become familiar and travel with the squad albeit in not ideal circumstances in the end.
Thiago Silva left furious
While a draw away to Nottingham Forest despite putting in a personally impressive display will always be frustrating, there were certainly some moments Thiago Silva was left unhappy. The Brazilian veteran continued to show his class with the Blues' backline put under pressure and Brennan Johnson keen to put pressure on his ageing legs.
Silva could be seen coaching, and navigating the positions of Kalidou Koulibaly and Denis Zakaria in the early stages of the game and had some impeccable timing to complete some crucial interceptions as Forest looked to break. In the 30th minute, Forest looked to attack once again and Silva found himself in a foot-race versus Johnson.
The former Milan defender managed to find a change of pace to reach the ball first and earn a foul against the young Welshman. Before returning to his feet Silva was quick to turn his fury upfield and shouted forwards to let his teammates know he was unimpressed.
Cesar Azpilicueta record
Chelsea's captain once again came into the side to deputise for the injured Reece James, and while he may not have the legs he once did, he has been required time and again this term. The 33-year-old recorded his 495th appearance in Chelsea colours and with it surpassed Petr Cech's 494. That means Azpilicueta stands alone as the overseas player to have made more appearances than any other for the Blues.
READ NEXT:
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea highlights: Serge Aurier goal cancels out Raheem Sterling strike
Chelsea player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Silva shines, Havertz dire, Koulibaly struggles
Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest, away form concern, January window
First Chelsea January transfer signing spotted in crowd for Nottingham Forest clash
Chelsea 'closer' to Enzo Fernandez transfer deal but 'board divided' over new £100m offer
